BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – The commemoration of Bandung’s 211th Anniversary is still celebrated in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Bandung Harmoni Tuntaskan Pandemi’ becomes this year’s theme of celebration and is expected to increase the spirit of people’s togetherness, although it still needs to deal with difficult situation.
Basically, Bandung is popular with its culinary, fashion centre and romantic city ambiance/atmosphere. However, for those fans of historical venues, Bandung also offers interesting places to track down. Well, in this moment of 211th anniversary, there is nothing wrong feeling nostalgic and visiting historical destination at the heart of Bandung. These are few recommendations quoted from various sources:
- Gedung Sate
Gedung Sate is one of the most iconic historical places in Bandung. When you are in Bandung, it is less complete if you do not visit Gedung Sate. This building was built in 1920 and have once become the battle location of fighters against the Gurkha troops from England.
Today, Gedung Sate is used as the office of West Java Governor. Although the tourists are not allowed to get inside the building, there are also modern museum that is worth to visit. There, you can try a virtual-reality ride that makes you feel as if you are riding a hot-air balloon around Gedung Sate. Fun, is not it?
- Monument of Bandung Lautan Api
Monument of Bandung Lautan Api is located on Jalan BKR, Ciateul, Kecamatan Regol. This monument was built to commemorate the event of Bandung Lautan Api or the scorched-earth of South Bandung led by Mohammad Toha.
The event took time in 24 March 1946, involving Republic of Indonesia’s Army (Tentara Republik Indonesia, TRI), fighters and people of Bandung. They burned their buildings and houses down so they would not be occupied by the allied troops. The event was also the inspiration of song creation Halo Halo Bandung sung by TRI on their waiting to return to homes.
- Jalan Braga
At first glance, Jalan Braga is similar to Kota Tua in Jakarta. Jalan Braga presents the atmosphere of old Bandung and is a favourite place for young people for photohunting or just hanging out.
Jalan Braga has already existed since the reign of the East Indies-Dutch. Its development continues to be boosted by presenting elite goods, arts, entertainment, and facilities with European nuances. So, do not be surprised if Braga has skyrocketed for a long time.
- Gedung Merdeka
Gedung Merdeka become the historical witness of Asia-Africa Conference held in 1955. It was first built in 1895 and was once named to Societeit Concordia, a recreation and socialization place for Dutch living in Bandung and around it.
In 1926, this building was renovated by Van Galen Last and C.P. Wolff Schoemaker. Its captivating architectural design really fits for being an object of photo. After getting satisfied taking picture, do not forget to visit Museum of Asia-Africa next to this building. You can also see historical stuffs, such as the collection of typewrite used during the conference, documentary room, exhibition room and gallery there.
- Museum of Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi
In Musem of Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi, you can see a collection of weapons that have been used by Siliwangi Kodam Troops, such as spears, arrows, keris, cleavers, Molotov, armoured vehicles (some of them are made in Indonesia) and cannons.
Museum of Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi is under the auspices of Kodam III/Siliwangi, Indonesian Army. This museum was established to provide an overview to the public about the miliraty struggle of Siliwangi Division and people of West Java in defending Indonesia’s independence.
- Monument of Perjuangan Rakyat Jawa Barat
Monument of Perjuangan Rakyat Jawa Barat also becomes one of the iconic monuments in Bandung. If you take a look at the monument, its shape almost resembles of Monument of Bambu Runcing in Surabaya. This monument is actually a museum, displaying seven dioramas depicting the history of the struggle of West Java people since the kingdom period and independence. You will also find a library and an audio-visual room presenting the history of West Java.
- Gedung Indonesia Menggugat
The building built in 1907 was originally a Dutch residence before it was switched function into a Dutch Colonial Government Court which was used for providing trials to the fighters, including Soekarno, Maskoen, Sastromoeljono and Sartono.
The name of Indonesia Menggugat was originated from the historical event when Soekarno was in court and rebelled through the pledoi entitled Indonesia Menggugat. Although it is old, Gedung Indonesia Menggugat still strongly stands on its own. Today, this building is often used for few events of art, social and other.
Well, those are options of historical destination in Bandung recommended to visit. Not only for recreational purposes, you can also learn and recall the history of heroes’ struggle in gaining our independence. Remember what Soekarno’s saying, “Jasmerah, jangan sekali-kali melupakan sejarah” (lit. Jasmerah, Never Forget History’). (Reta)*