Bukittinggi : A wonderful city

Bukittinggi in Indonesian language for “high hill” is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91000 people and area of 25,24 km2. It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatra capital city of Padang. It is located at 0018’20”S, 100022’9”E, near the volcanoes Mount Singgalang (inactive) and Mount Merapi (active). At 930m above sea level, the city has a cool climate with temperatures between 16,10-24,90C.

History

The historical of the Bukittinggi city was known as Fort de Kock during colonial times in reference to the Dutch outpost established here in 1825 during the Padri War. The fort was founded by Captain Bauer at the top of Jirek hill and later named after then Lieutenant Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Hendrik Merkus de Kock.

During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in World War II, the city was the headquarters for the Japanese 25th Army, the force which occupied Sumatra. The headquarters was moved to the city in April 1943 from Singapore, and remained until the Japanese surrender in August 1945.

During the Indonesian National Revolution, the city was the headquarters for the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) from December 19, 1948 until July 13, 1949.

The city was officially renamed Bukittinggi in 1949, replacing its colonial name. From 1950 until 1957, Bukittinggi was the capital city of a province called Central Sumatra, which encompassed West Sumatra, Riau and Jambi.

Tourism Objects

Bukittinggi is a city popular with tourists due to the climate and central location. Attractions within the city include:

 Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon)

 Lobang Jepang (Japanese Tunnel) is a network of underground bunkers and tunnels built by the Japanese during the World War II

 Jam Gadang (Big Clock Tower) is a large clock tower built by the Dutch in 1926

 Pasar Atas and Pasar Bawah are the traditonal markets in downtown

 Taman Bundo Kanduang Park. The park includes a replica of Rumah Gadang, used as a museum of Minangkabau culture, and a zoo. The Dutch hilltop outpost Fort de Kock is connected to the zoo by the Limpapeh pedestrian overpass.

Well, this is my post about our wonderful city, Bukittinggi. I hope all of you enjoy it. Thank’s.. Vielen dank.. Gracias.. Mercy beaucoup.. makasiiih.. :D