JALAN RAYA POS GUBERNUR JENDERAL DAENDELS " ANYER - PANARUKAN "

Summary

In 1808, Governor-General Daendels was appointed by Dutch King Louis Napoleon to protect Java from British forces. His administration led to major reforms, including military expansions, the building of hospitals, and the construction of the famous Pos Road to facilitate rapid troop movements. However, the forced labor used for this project resulted in immense suffering and loss of life. Local resistance, including from figures like Pangeran Kornel, grew due to the harsh treatment of the population. Despite his success in infrastructure, Daendels' rule created deep resentment, leading to betrayal when the British arrived, and eventually, his fall from power and exile to Africa.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dendel was appointed Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in 1808 by King Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• 😀 His primary responsibility was to protect Java from British forces based in India.
• 😀 Upon arrival in Batavia in January 1808, Dendel initiated major reforms, including the expansion of the military from 3,000 to 20,000 men.
• 😀 Dendel oversaw the construction of hospitals, military barracks, and weapon factories, including one in Gresik.
• 😀 He also established naval bases in Ujung Kulon and Surabaya, along with fortifications in locations like Mr. Cornelis (now Jatinegara) and Surabaya.
• 😀 Dendel’s main obsession was the construction of the Jalan Raya Pos (Post Road), a strategic project meant for quick military movement in case of an English invasion.
• 😀 The Post Road, stretching 1,000 kilometers, was completed despite the heavy human cost, with workers dying from hunger, disease, and exhaustion.
• 😀 Thousands of laborers lost their lives during the construction, leading to mass graves along the road's path.
• 😀 The project sparked local opposition, including resistance from figures like Pangeran Kusumadinata of Sumedang, who led a rebellion against Dendel's authority.
• 😀 Despite the hardships and local opposition, Dendel continued the construction, which later became a symbol of his legacy, though it left a deep scar among the local population.

Q & A

Who appointed Dendel as the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies?

Dendel was appointed as the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies by King Louis Napoleon of the Netherlands in 1808.

What was one of the main tasks given to Dendel by the Dutch king?

One of the main tasks given to Dendel was to protect the island of Java from potential British attacks from India.

What significant reforms did Dendel implement after arriving in Batavia?

Upon his arrival in Batavia in 1808, Dendel made several reforms, including increasing the military from 3,000 to 20,000 troops, building hospitals, military barracks, and a weapons factory in Gresik.

What was the purpose of the 'Jalan Raya Pos' project?

The 'Jalan Raya Pos' (Postal Highway) project was intended to ensure quick movement of soldiers in the event of an English attack, as well as to maintain the authority of the Netherlands and France in the region.

How long was the 'Jalan Raya Pos' highway and where was it built?

The 'Jalan Raya Pos' highway was 1,000 kilometers long and ran from Anyar to Panarukan, covering significant parts of Java.

What was the impact of the construction of the 'Jalan Raya Pos' on the local population?

The construction caused great suffering among the local population, as many workers, including those subjected to forced labor, died from exhaustion, disease, and malnutrition.

How many people are believed to have died during the construction of the 'Jalan Raya Pos'?

It is estimated that up to 3,000 workers died during the construction, with many more suffering from hunger, disease, and fatigue.

How did the construction of the road contribute to historical landmarks in Java?

The construction of the road led to the creation of mass graves along the route, which are among the largest in Java and Indonesia.

What resistance did Dendel face during his rule, particularly regarding the road construction?

Dendel faced resistance from local rulers like Pangeran Kusumunata of Sumedang, who, along with his people, opposed the forced labor used for road construction.

What happened to Dendel after the fall of Napoleon?

After Napoleon's fall, Dendel was recalled to the Netherlands, and later sent to the Gold Coast in Africa, where he lived in isolation and passed away in 1818.