When on holiday in West Sumatra, we stopped to see Jam Gadang, which is the icon of Bukittinggi city, West Sumatra. Jam Gadang is one of the most famous monuments in Indonesia. Built in 1926 by architects Yazin and Sutan Gigi Ameh, this clock tower is not only a symbol of pride for the local community but also holds a number of interesting unique things to know.
Jam Gadang has a design that reflects the typical Minangkabau architectural culture. The roof is shaped like a gonjong (a roof section that rises and is decorated with ornaments at the end), resembling a traditional Minangkabau house, namely Rumah Gadang. This tower is about 26 meters high and consists of four floors, each of which can be accessed via a spiral staircase.
The clock mechanism in Jam Gadang is only two units ever made in the world. This machine was made by the Vortmann factory, a company in Germany. The other unit is used in Big Ben, London, England. This makes Jam Gadang very special and unique among similar monuments in the world.
Another uniqueness lies in the display of the clock numbers. If you pay attention, the number "four" on this clock is written as "IIII" instead of "IV" like Roman numerals in general. This adds to the attraction and mystery for visitors.
The location of Jam Gadang in the center of Bukittinggi makes it the focal point of various community activities. Around it is Taman Sabai Nan Aluih which is often used as a gathering place and for tourism. Over time, Jam Gadang has also become a silent witness to historical changes, starting from the Dutch colonial era, the Japanese occupation, to Indonesian independence.
Jam Gadang is not only a symbol of the city, but also a major attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. Visitors who come can enjoy the view of Bukittinggi from the top floor of the tower. In addition, the area around Jam Gadang is often the center of celebrations, such as New Year celebrations and the Minangkabau Arts Festival.
I hope you enjoy my post and you enjoy your day.
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Thank you for sharing this ancient treasure of Indonesia with us. It is a wonderful and extraordinary treasure. Sumatra looks very beautiful to see. I hope this wonderful trip with amazing photography around it will be peaceful above all. I wish you success in your journey.