If you enjoy historical tours and happen to be in Yogyakarta, you should take advantage of this one. Yes, a historical tour to the Fort Vredeburg Museum. From the name alone, you can already guess that this fort was a defensive structure built during the Dutch colonial period. But, what makes this fort special? Let’s find out!
Before we look into its unique aspects, let’s discuss its history. This fort was built during the Dutch colonial era, precisely in 1760. However, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I permitted its construction, which was located not far from the Yogyakarta Royal Palace.
According to vredeburg.id website, this fort was formerly named Rustenburg, meaning resting fort. When the Dutch requested permission to build the fort, they used the pretext of keeping the royal palace safe. However, this fort served as a Dutch military headquarters to protect the Dutch in case of conflicts with the Yogyakarta Royal Palace.
In its early construction, the fort was designed to be quite simple, using only earth materials and wooden pillars for support. But, in 1767, the fort began to be built permanently. The construction of the permanent fort was completed in 1867.
In 1867, a severe earthquake hit Yogyakarta and caused significant damage to the fort. After renovations, the fort was officially renamed Fort Vredeburg, meaning fort of peace.
Since its construction, this fort has silently witnessed various historical events, especially during the colonial period. It has also undergone several changes in function depending on who occupied or controlled it. However, the primary function of Fort Vredeburg during colonial times remained as a military headquarters; only the occupying country changed—from the Dutch to the British and then the Japanese.
The fort was also once converted into a prison for Dutch and Indonesian prisoners. However, after Indonesia declared its independence, the fort became Indonesia's headquarters.
Today, Fort Vredeburg is no longer feared. Located at KM 0 Yogyakarta, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Its strategic location near the Yogyakarta Royal Palace and Malioboro makes it even more accessible. The exact address of Fort Vredeburg is Jl. Jend. A. Yani No. 6, Yogyakarta.
Are you planning a trip to Yogyakarta and wondering if Fort Vredeburg is worth visiting? Let’s explore what this historic fort has to offer!
Historical Collections
As a museum, it would not be complete without historical collections. There, you can see various original historical items that remain well-preserved. For example, the bed used by General Sudirman and documents related to the struggle for independence.
Historical Event Dioramas
The freedom fighters sacrificed their lives and bravely fought against the colonizers to gain Indonesia’s independence. In this museum, you can see various dioramas depicting the struggles of these past heroes. These dioramas show how relentless and courageous they were in the fight for Indonesia’s freedom.
Besides its historical significance, the fort’s unique architectural style makes for an interesting photo backdrop. So, if you enjoy posting photos on social media, visiting this museum will not disappoint you.
Interested in visiting this fort? If you are currently planning your trip to Yogyakarta, make sure to protect your journey with Domestic Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. This way, you can fully enjoy your travel without worries.
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