Bandung city is one of the developed cities in Indonesia. The progress of the development in Bandung city not only supported by good infrastructure, but also from the world of education, tourism, and the world of fashion. For most of both local and foreign tourists, Bandung is a lovable place that should be the list of places to visit. However, Bandung didn’t instantly grow up till could be as beautiful as today. Behind the stunning city, Bandung grows up through a beautiful tragic history. Here is the history of Bandung you need to see.
- The Origin of the word “Bandung”
The word “Bandung” comes from the word bendung or dam since the Citarum river covered by lava of Mount Tangkuban Perahu. Then it formed a lake. The legend told by old people in Bandung said that the name “Bandung” taken from a water vehicle consisting of two boats which were tied side by side called the Bandung Boat used by the Regent Bandung, R.A. Wiranatakusumah II. It was used to navigate Ci Tarum in searching new district to replace the old capital of Dayeuhkolot.
- Bandung during the Dutch Colonialism
Originally Bandung regency capitalized in Krapyak (now Dayeuhkolot) which is located about 11 kilometers to the south from the center of Bandung now. When the district of Bandung was led by the 6th bupati, RA Wiranatakusumah II (1794-1829) who known as “Dalem Kaum I”, the power of Indonesia was moved to the Dutch Government, with the first general governor was Herman Willem Daendels (1808-1811).
To smoothly carry out its duties in Jave, Daendels built the Post Road (Groote Postweg) from Anyer in West Java to Panarukan in Easst Java (approximately 1000 km). The construction of the highway was carried out by the local people of Indonesian under the leadership of their respective district heads. (Read also: Dutch Colonization in Indonesia)
- The movement of Bandung district capital
For the ease of the road construction, Daendels via letter dated on May 25, 1810 requested the Regent of Bandung and the Regent of Parakanmuncang to move the district capitals, respectively to Cikapundung and Andawadak (Tanjungsari), approaching Jalan Raya Pos .
Apparently Daendels didn’t know that long before the letter came out, the regent of Bandung had planned to move the capital district of Bandung. He had even found a good enough and strategic place for the central government. The chosen place is an empty field of forest, located on the western edge of the Cikapundung River, the southern edge of Jalan Raya Pos being built (the downtown Bandung now). The reason for the removal of the capital is the unfitted Krapyak as the capital of government, because it is located on the southern side of Bandung area and often hit by flooding when the rainy season.
- The history of Paris van Java
Paris van Java is the name in the Dutch colonial era for the city of Bandung which was given around 1920 – 1925. Historically, the city of Bandung was famous for its natural beauty and coolness of the air. This atmosphere is highly favored by the Dutch colonial people. Moreover, the equal geographical similarity between Bandung and the southern region of France had successfully attracted the European. Finally, the Dutch make the development of the city of Bandung to be a beautiful settlement complete with the means to meet the needs of its citizens.
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- The development of Bandung City
It is not known exactly how long the city of Bandung was built. However, the city was built not on the initiative Daendels, but on the initiative of the Regent of Bandung, even the development of the city directly led by the regent. In other words, Regent R. A. Wiranatakusumah II is the founder (founding father) of Bandung. Bandung City was inaugurated as the new capital of Bandung Regency with a decision letter dated 25 September 1810.
- The tragedy of “Bandung Lautan Api”
In the war to fight for the independence, on 24 March 1946, some of these cities were burned by ther fighters as part of the war strategy of that time. This was done to prevent Allied soldiers and NICA soldiers to be able to use the city of Bandung as a strategic military headquarters in Indonesian War of Independence. This event is known as Bandung Lautan Api and immortalized in the song of Halo-Halo Bandung. In addition the city was later abandoned by some of its inhabitants who fled to other areas.
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- Asian Africa Conference
The Asian-African Summit (abbreviated to the Asian-African Summit or KAA, sometimes called the Bandung Conference) is a conference between Asian and African countries, most of whom have just gained independence. KAA is organized by Indonesia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), India and Pakistan and coordinated by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sunario.
The meeting took place from April 18 until April 24, 1955, at Gedung Merdeka, Bandung, Indonesia with the aim of promoting economic and cultural cooperation between Asia-Africa and against the colonialism or neocolonialism of the United States, Soviet Union or other imperialist countries.
- How Bandung called as Kota Kembang (flowery city)
Based on some sources, there are two story versions of embedding nickname of Kota Kembang for Bandung. The first version stated that in ancient times, the city of Bandung was considered as the very beautiful city with the growth of trees and flowers. Many hundreds of types of flowers are grown in this city. That is why it is called as Kota Kembang up to now.
While the second version sounds pretty sad. Quoted from the pages of Bandung Aktula, historian Haryoto Kunto in his book entitled “Wajah Bandoeng Tempo Doeloe”, said if the flowers meant Kembang Dayang which has the same meaning as a female prostitute worker.
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- Bandung Today
Bandung today has made a lot of difference. Several tourist areas including shopping centers and factory outlets are also scattered in this city, such as in the area of Jalan Braga, Cihampelas area, Cibaduyut with craftsmen shoes and Cigondewah with textile traders. Dozens of shopping centers are spread across the city of Bandung, some of which are Plaza Bandung Palace, Bandung Supermal, Cihampelas Walk, Paris Van Java Mall, and Bandung Indah Plaza. While some areas of traditional markets are quite famous in this city include Pasar Baru, Gedebage Market and Andir Market.
Those are the history of Bandung. Hopefully, by knowing the history of Bandung, it would increase your love capacity for Bandung. Especially for the locals, hopefully they could maintain and look after the beauty of Bandung by heart. And for foreigners, we are waiting for you in this beautiful city.
