From Germany to Bukittinggi - The Clock Tower

From Germany to Bukittinggi

By Famega Syavira Princess

Dutch colonialism in Indonesia left his mark 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 city secretary. Until now, the Clock Tower is still the tallest building in Bukittinggi.

Clock Tower is equipped with a large bell on top. At the bell was listed the manufacturer at: "Vortmann Relinghausen, IW Germany". Vortman is the name behind the watchmakers, the Benhard Vortmann. Recklinghausen is the name of the 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 ourselves," said Yusrizal, one of four officers guard the guards jam.Para never studied formally fix the machine clock. Technical knowledge of the hour is taught from generation to generation and proved successful because of minor damage to the clock always successfully repaired by them.

"Except when the earthquake of 2007. Pendulum clock was broken and must be replaced, "said Andre, the other guard. Earthquake in Padang in 2010 also makes the tower walls to crack, but did not damage the machine clock.

Andre and Yusrizal on guard duty day, alternating with two officers who will be awake at night. Four people that do all the maintenance. They treat hours on duty, security guard, to sweep the floor. Unless it has permission, visitors are prohibited from entering the inside of the tower.

The interior of the tower consists of several levels. Topmost level is the storage place bell. Machine hours and hours of surface located at one level below. Climb the small ladder to the top is quite exhausting. But the struggle up the stairs it certainly pays off.

The inside of the clock can not be entered just anyone. Photo: Famega Syavira

Machine clock repair skills learned from generation to generation. Photo: Famega Syavira

From the top of the tower, behold, a city surrounded by three mountains: Singgalang, Merapi and Sago.

Clock Tower at the center marker of the town of Bukittinggi. Events are usually held in the town square near the tower. One of them as the start point of the 4th stage of Tour de Festival on June 9, 2011.

This place is also a favorite citizen interaction space. On any day of field work around the Clock Tower seemed crowded. 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.