Independence Month, Time to Build a Gate in Your Neighborhood

Soon, Indonesia will once again celebrate its Independence Day. The special day is usually commemorated with a flag ceremony, various competitions, neighborhood beautification, and another equally interesting activity, building a gate.

That’s right, August is often the special occasion used by residents to build new gates or renovate existing ones. Although this activity has become a common tradition, did you know what the true meaning of a gate is? And, since when have gates existed? Let’s find out in this article!

What is a Gate and What are Its Functions?

According to the Official Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI), a gate is a large door at the entrance of a yard (garden, etc.); a gateway. Gates could be quite large and truly represent a gateway. However, gates could also be simple and only mark a territorial boundary. This means when you pass through a gate, you are entering another area.

Moreover, gates have several other meanings and functions, including:

Icon of an Area

With the times, a gate is not only a gateway but also the icon of an area. Many areas create gates that highlight their unique characteristics. Especially, if the gate involves an extensive area, such as provincial boundaries and borders between districts and cities.

Welcome Message

In Javanese tradition, a gate also means a welcome message. Therefore, the construction of a gate, done seriously and excellently, indicates the host’s eagerness to welcome guests.

Gates During the Era of the Majapahit Kingdom

Did you know when gates existed? Gates have been around since the Majapahit Kingdom. This is based on the discovery of gate-shaped temples believed to be relics of the Majapahit Kingdom. Two of these temples are:

Wringin Lawang Gate

Wringin Lawang Gate is located in Jatipasar Village, Trowulan Subdistrict, Mojokerto. This gate was first recorded in 1815 by Wardenaar when he was tasked with documenting the archaeology in Mojokerto. However, at that time, its name in the book The History of Java, published in 1817, was recorded as Jati Pasar Gate, reflecting its location.

The name Wringin Lawang Gate has been used since 1907. People call it Wringin Lawang Gate because, according to local lore, two banyan trees once flanked the gate. Wringin Lawang means banyan gate.

Wringin Lawang Gate has a shape known as candi bentar, which is a temple that forms a perfectly split gate with no connector at the top. Although there is no definitive explanation of its function, people believe this gate was the entrance to one of the complexes in the Majapahit Kingdom. Particularly given its location in Trowulan, which was once the kingdom’s capital.

Bajang Ratu Temple

Bajang Ratu Temple is another relic of the Majapahit Kingdom, located at Jalan Candi Bajang Ratu, Temon Village, Trowulan Subdistrict, Mojokerto, East Java. It is believed to be the entrance to a sacred building commemorating the death of King Jayanegara. This is based on the various reliefs on the temple and other evidence.

If you want to see these gate relics of the Majapahit Kingdom, you can visit Wringin Lawang Gate or Bajang Ratu Temple in Mojokerto, East Java. But, before hopping on a train to East Java, be sure to purchase your Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia.

Stages of Building a Gate

The stages of building a gate typically depend on the size of the gate. However, here are some general stages to consider if you want to build a gate, especially during this independence month:

Permits

You must have permission from local residents and your neighborhood administrators (RT and RW). For example, if you have the idea to build a gate to celebrate Independence Day, discuss it with your neighborhood RT and RW so that they can open a forum for residents.

Construction Team

Will the gate be built by residents on a voluntary basis or by hiring professional services? This should be discussed early to avoid misunderstandings.

Gate Design

For Independence Day gates, your design should reflect the spirit of nationalism. You can include elements such as red and white colors, the Garuda bird, bamboo spears, and other symbols representing the heroes’ fighting spirit. For more fun, you can hold a design competition involving your neighborhood residents and vote to choose the design.

One thing to note in designing the gate, especially if you have limited space, is to create a design that does not take up too much road space and does not hinder vehicle movements.

Building Materials

Building a gate requires a great deal of materials. Make sure that you and the residents agree on how to procure these building materials. Especially considering that they are not cheap.

That was some information about gates. So, what kind of Independence Day gate do you and your neighborhood residents want to build to show your independence spirit?