From Germany to Bukittinggi

Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, leaving his tracks in Bukittinggi. Memento in the form of the Clock Tower that characterizes the city.
This clock was built in 1926, as a gift from the Queen of Holland to the secretary of the city. Until now the tower Clock Tower is still the tallest building in Bukittinggi.


Clock Tower features a large bell at the top. At the bell at the manufacturer stated: "Vortmann Relinghausen, IW Germany". Vortman is the name behind this watchmaker, Benhard Vortmann. Recklinghausen is a city where the machine clock manufactured in Germany in 1892.
Because of this unique machine hour, no mechanic can fix. "So if it breaks or freezes, we fix themselves," said Yusrizal, one of four officers guard the guards jam.Para never learn to fix the machine at a formal. Technical knowledge about these hours are taught by generations and has been successful because of minor damage on the clock always successfully repaired by them.

"Except during the earthquake of 2007. Pendulum clock was broken and must be replaced, "said Andre, another guard. Earthquake in Padang in 2010 also makes the tower walls cracked, but did not damage the engine hours.
Andre and Yusrizal was on guard duty the day, alternating with two officers who will be awake at night. That's four people who do all the maintenance. They are in charge of caring for hours, maintain security, to sweep the floor. Except have obtained permission, visitors were barred from entering the inside of the tower.
The interior of the tower consists of several levels. Level top with a storage area bell. Machine-hour clock and the surface is located at one level below. Climb the small ladder to the top pretty exhausting. But the struggle up the stairs it certainly paid off.

The inside of the clock that not just anyone can enter. Photo: Famega Syavira

Machine clock repair skills learned by generations. Photo: Famega Syavira
From the top of the tower, saw the city that dikeliligi three mountains: Singgalang, Merapi and Sago.
Clock Tower at the center marker town of Bukittinggi. Town events are usually held on the ground near this tower. One of them as the start point of the 4th Stage of Tour de Singkarak on June 9, 2011.

This place is also a favorite citizen interaction space. On any working day field around the Clock Tower seemed crowded. The children running and playing with soap bubbles, while their parents sit in the shade. A free public space that should exist in every town in Indonesia.

By  Famega Syavira Putri