If you are looking for a unique and memorable destination in Indonesia, you should not miss Gedung Sate, a historic and cultural landmark in Bandung, the capital of West Java province. Gedung Sate is not only a stunning example of Dutch-Indonesian architecture, but also a witness of the turbulent history and politics of Indonesia. Moreover, Gedung Sate is a museum of culture and art, where you can learn more about the rich and diverse heritage of Bandung and West Java. And of course, Gedung Sate is a paradise for food lovers, as you can enjoy the delicious and famous satay and other local delicacies near the building. In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to explore Gedung Sate and its surroundings, and give you some tips and advice to make your trip unforgettable.
Gedung Sate: A Symbol of Dutch-Indonesian Influence
Gedung Sate is named after the six ornamental skewers that adorn the central tower of the building, resembling the satay, a popular dish of grilled meat on bamboo sticks. The name also reflects the fusion of Dutch and Indonesian elements that characterize the building's design. Gedung Sate was built between 1920 and 1924 by Dutch architect J. Gerber, who incorporated the traditional Indonesian motifs and materials into the European style. The result is a harmonious and elegant structure that stands out in the cityscape of Bandung.
The building has a symmetrical layout, with a main hall and two wings. The main hall houses the central tower, which is 27 meters high and has a bronze dome. The tower is decorated with six skewers, each representing one million guilders, the cost of the building's construction. The tower also has a clock and a bell, which ring every hour. The wings have two smaller towers, each with a pointed roof and a spire. The building is painted in white and yellow, the colors of the Dutch flag and the royal family.
The building is surrounded by a spacious and well-maintained garden, which adds to its beauty and charm. The garden has a fountain, a pond, and a statue of a bull, symbolizing the strength and prosperity of the nation. The garden is also a popular spot for taking photos and relaxing.
Gedung Sate: A Witness of History and Politics
Gedung Sate has played an important role in the history and politics of Indonesia, especially during the Second World War and the Indonesian independence movement. The building was originally intended to be the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Department of Transport, Public Works, and Water Management, but it was later occupied by the Japanese forces during the war. The building was also the target of an attack by the Commonwealth Army in 1945, which caused some damage to the structure.
After the war, Gedung Sate became the seat of the Department of Government Enterprises, which was responsible for managing the state-owned enterprises in various sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and industry. The building also hosted several important events and ceremonies, such as the first meeting of the West Java Provincial Parliament in 1950, and the flag-raising ceremony on the Independence Day every year.
Today, Gedung Sate is still the office of the West Java Provincial Government, and it is also open to the public as a tourist attraction. You can visit the building and admire its architecture and history, as well as enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the tower.
Gedung Sate: A Museum of Culture and Art
Gedung Sate is not only a historic and political landmark, but also a museum of culture and art, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Bandung and West Java. The museum is located in the basement of the building, and it has four exhibition rooms, each with a different theme and collection.
The first room is the Prehistoric Room, which displays the fossils, artifacts, and tools from the prehistoric era, such as the skull of the Java Man, the stone axes, and the pottery. The second room is the Colonial Room, which showcases the photos, documents, and objects from the colonial period, such as the maps, the coins, and the uniforms. The third room is the Independence Room, which exhibits the memorabilia, weapons, and flags from the independence movement, such as the proclamation text, the rifles, and the medals. The fourth room is the Development Room, which presents the achievements, projects, and plans of the West Java Provincial Government, such as the awards, the models, and the charts.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The admission fee is 5,000 rupiah for adults and 3,000 rupiah for children. You can also join a guided tour, which is available in English and Indonesian, for an additional fee of 10,000 rupiah per person.
Gedung Sate: A Destination for Food and Fun
Gedung Sate is not only a place to learn and admire, but also a place to eat and have fun. Near the building, you can find many street food stalls that serve the delicious and famous satay and other local delicacies, such as the nasi timbel (rice wrapped in banana leaf), the soto bandung (beef soup with soybean cake and radish), and the es cendol (iced dessert with green rice flour jelly and coconut milk). You can also try the different varieties of satay, such as the sate ayam (chicken satay), the sate kambing (goat satay), and the sate maranggi (beef satay with spicy sauce).
If you are looking for more options, you can also visit the nearby Alun-Alun Bandung, a large public square that has many restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can enjoy the local and international cuisines, such as the Sundanese, the Chinese, and the Italian. You can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothes. Alun-Alun Bandung is also a lively and festive place, especially at night, when you can see the colorful lights, the musical fountain, and the street performers.
Another place to visit near Gedung Sate is the Braga Street, a historic and cultural street that has many art galleries, antique shops, and bookstores. You can browse the paintings, sculptures, and books, and learn more about the artistic and literary scene of Bandung. You can also relax and enjoy the live music, the coffee, and the beer at the cafes and bars along the street.
Conclusion
Gedung Sate is a must-see attraction in Bandung, as it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages and interests. You can explore the history and culture of Bandung and West Java, admire the architecture and the garden of the building, visit the museum and the tower, and enjoy the food and the fun near the building. Gedung Sate is a symbol of the past, present, and future of Indonesia, and a place to discover and appreciate its beauty and diversity.
