Tak Banyak Yang Tahu / Inilah Sejarah Asal Usul Kota Bandung

Summary

Bandung, Indonesia's third-largest city, is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and stunning natural beauty. With nicknames like 'Kota Kembang' (City of Flowers) and 'Paris van Java,' the city holds historical and cultural importance, dating back to the 19th century. The city's origins are linked to the legend of Sangkuriang and the creation of Danau Bandung (Bandung Lake). In 1810, Dutch colonial administration laid the foundation for Bandung's development, and it officially became a city in 1968. The city's resilience is showcased by the 1946 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire), a pivotal moment in Indonesia's fight for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bandung is the third-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya, but the second most densely populated city after Jakarta.
• 😀 Bandung is known by several nicknames, including Kota Kembang (City of Flowers), Paris van Java, and Bandung Lautan Api (Bandung Sea of Fire).
• 😀 The origin of Bandung’s name is linked to the legend of Sangkuriang, which involves the formation of Lake Bandung and Tangkuban Perahu mountain.
• 😀 Bandung was originally a large lake, but by 1971, most of it had dried up, and the area became a residential area.
• 😀 The city's establishment as a settlement began in 1810 when the Dutch governor-general Herman Willem Daendels issued a decree to build infrastructure in the area.
• 😀 Bandung officially became a city on April 1, 1906, with an area of 900 hectares and a population of 20,9382 people in 1896.
• 😀 One version of the name Bandung comes from the word 'bendung' (dam), due to the formation of a dam-like lake by lava from Mount Tangkuban Perahu.
• 😀 Another version of the name Bandung is derived from a type of boat called 'Perahu Bandung Pro' used by the Bupati of Bandung in the 19th century.
• 😀 The city is also known as Paris van Java because of its shops selling French goods and its Parisian-style eateries.
• 😀 During Indonesia's War of Independence, Bandung earned the name 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) after being burned by fighters in 1946 to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

Q & A

What is the significance of Bandung in Indonesia?

Bandung is the third-largest city in Indonesia and the second most densely populated city after Jakarta. It plays a significant role as the capital of West Java province and has historical, cultural, and economic importance.

Why is Bandung called 'Kota Kembang' (City of Flowers)?

Bandung is called 'Kota Kembang' due to a 1896 event where the Dutch colonial sugar industry gathered in Bandung for a congress. During this congress, beautiful flowers and young Indo-European women were used to entertain the attendees. The event left such an impression that Bandung earned the nickname.

What is the story behind the name 'Paris van Java' for Bandung?

The nickname 'Paris van Java' (Paris of Java) comes from the city’s vibrant culture, with its high-end stores, especially along Braga Street, and its European-style ambiance. The influence of French culture and the presence of French products in shops, particularly clothing, contributed to this nickname.

What is the connection between Bandung and the legend of Sangkuriang?

According to the Sangkuriang legend, Bandung was originally a large lake that was created when a dam was built by the hero Sangkuriang to stop the flow of the Citarum River. This damming led to the creation of a vast lake, which became known as Danau Bandung (Bandung Lake).

How did the city of Bandung evolve during Dutch colonial rule?

Under the Dutch colonial administration, Bandung’s development began with the efforts of Governor General Herman Willem Daendels in the early 1800s, who initiated infrastructure projects in the region. The city gradually transformed into a settlement, with the administrative center of Bandung officially established in 1810.

When was Bandung officially recognized as a city, and what led to this status?

Bandung was officially granted city status on April 1, 1906, by Governor General JB Van Heutsz. This was following the establishment of the city's infrastructure and its development into a major settlement. The population at that time was around 20,000, with a significant presence of European residents.

What does the name 'Bandung' mean in historical and cultural contexts?

The name 'Bandung' has several theories. One suggests that it is derived from the word 'bendungan' meaning dam, due to the creation of a large lake from a dam built by Mount Tangkuban Perahu’s eruption. Another theory links it to a type of boat, 'Perahu Bandung,' used by the colonial administration, or from the Sundanese word 'bandung,' meaning 'side by side' or 'nearby.'

What was the strategic purpose of the 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) event in 1946?

On March 24, 1946, during Indonesia’s war for independence, Bandung was deliberately set on fire by the Indonesian military and civilians to prevent it from being used by the Allied forces. The destruction was a strategic move to deny the enemy the city’s resources and facilities.

How did the name 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) come about?

The term 'Bandung Lautan Api' (Bandung Sea of Fire) was coined after the 1946 event, where the entire city was set ablaze by Indonesian forces. The city was burnt for seven hours, resulting in massive destruction but also symbolizing the people’s dedication to the independence struggle.

What was the role of the city of Bandung in the broader context of Indonesian independence?

Bandung played a crucial role in the Indonesian independence movement, especially during the post-World War II period. The city's destruction in 1946, known as 'Bandung Lautan Api,' became a symbol of sacrifice and resistance against the colonial forces, highlighting the unity and determination of Indonesians in their fight for freedom.