Gedung Juang Tambun

Gedung Juang Tambun: Silent Witness to the Struggle of the Bekasi People Throughout History

Gedung Juang Tambun, now officially transformed into the Bekasi Digital Museum, is more than just an old building standing strong on Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin, Tambun Selatan. This building is a historical monument that records Bekasi's metamorphosis from a colonial plantation area to a fierce battleground in defending the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Also known as Landhuis Tamboen, this building holds collective memories of colonialism, feudalism, and the heroism of the people.

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Origins and Construction: The Era of Landhuis Tamboen

The history of Gedung Juang Tambun began in the early 20th century. Its construction was carried out in two phases by the Khouw family, a very wealthy Chinese family (landlords) who had significant influence in Batavia and its surrounding areas. The first phase began in 1906 and was completed in 1910, followed by major renovations until it reached its final form in 1925.

The first owner of this building was Khouw Tjeng Kee, followed by his heir, Khouw Oen Huy. At that time, the building served as a luxurious residence and the central administrative office for the vast plantations owned by the Khouw family in the Tambun area. As a Landhuis (landlord's house), this building became a symbol of social status and economic power amidst the expanse of rice fields and rubber plantations that dominated Bekasi's landscape at the time.

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Architecture: A Blend of Neoclassical and Tropical Styles

Gedung Juang Tambun features the Indische Empire Style of architecture, a style very popular in the Dutch East Indies in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The most striking characteristic is the use of large Neoclassical-style pillars that give an impression of grandeur and sturdiness. The building's ceilings are made very high to ensure good air circulation, adapting to Bekasi's hot tropical climate.

The building's floors use high-quality marble tiles imported from Europe, while the doors and windows are made of solid teak wood with very large dimensions. Uniquely, amidst this European grandeur, there are touches of local and Chinese ornamentation in some carved details, reflecting the background of its owners. The building's very strong structure has proven its resilience against various physical conflicts that occurred around it for decades.

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Strategic Role in the War of Independence

The greatest historical value of Gedung Juang Tambun lies in its role during the Physical Revolution (1945-1949). When Japan occupied Indonesia in 1942, this building was taken over from the Khouw family and used as a Japanese military defense center. However, after the Proclamation of Independence, this building became a fiercely contested site.

Bekasi, nicknamed "Bumi Patriot" (Land of Patriots), was a border region (demarcation line) between the Allied/NICA power in Jakarta and the territory of the Republic of Indonesia in West Java. Gedung Juang Tambun served as the command post for the Bekasi people's struggle. Local heroes like KH Noer Ali, known as the "Lion of Karawang-Bekasi," often used this place as a coordination point for guerrilla attacks against Dutch soldiers.

In 1947, during the First Dutch Military Aggression, the building was temporarily reoccupied by the Dutch and used as their civilian government office. However, the spirit of the people did not die down. This building became a silent witness to diplomatic efforts and prisoner exchanges. One unique fact is that this building was once used as a venue for prisoner exchange negotiations between Indonesian independence fighters and Dutch soldiers, where Dutch prisoners held by the fighters were exchanged for Indonesian fighters held captive in Jakarta.

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Functions Through the Ages

After Indonesia's sovereignty was fully recognized in 1949, the function of Gedung Juang Tambun continued to change with the dynamics of the times. The building was used as the Office of the Bekasi Regency DPRD, the Agricultural Service Office, and the Election Secretariat office. It also served as the headquarters for the Legiun Veteran Republik Indonesia (LVRI) of Bekasi Regency.

For several decades in the late 20th century, the building's condition was dire. Lack of maintenance and unintegrated functional changes caused the grandeur of Landhuis Tamboen to fade and appear eerie. Many parts of the building were damaged by age and vandalism, before awareness of the importance of historical preservation finally re-emerged.

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Restoration and Digital Museum Transformation

The Bekasi Regency Government took a revolutionary step by undertaking a massive restoration in 2020. Gedung Juang Tambun was not only physically repaired but revitalized into the Bekasi Digital Museum (Museum Gedung Juang). This restoration maintained the original structure of the building while incorporating modern technology.

Currently, visitors can explore Bekasi's history through touch screens, Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and digital map projections. The museum divides its content into several periods: the prehistoric era with Buni findings, the Tarumanegara Kingdom era, the colonial era, and Bekasi in the modern era. This effort has successfully attracted the interest of the younger generation to learn history without feeling bored, making Gedung Juang a leading educational tourism center in West Java.

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Cultural Meaning and Symbolism

For the people of Bekasi, Gedung Juang Tambun is a symbol of self-respect. It symbolizes the resilience of the people in facing oppression. The existence of this building amidst the hustle and bustle of Tambun's modernity serves as a reminder that Bekasi's current economic progress stands on the foundation of the struggles of past heroes.

Culturally, this building also bears witness to Bekasi's heterogeneity. Built by a Chinese entrepreneur, occupied by Japan, contested by the Dutch, and finally won by the indigenous people of Bekasi, this building reflects the layers of identity that form Bekasi's society today. With its status as a Cultural Heritage, Gedung Juang Tambun is now protected by law, ensuring that the narrative of "Bumi Patriot" will continue to resonate for future generations.