Bung Karno's Exile House

Origin and Formation of the Site

Bung Karno's initial presence in Bengkulu was a continuation of the Dutch East Indies government's repressive policies against national movement figures deemed dangerous. Before being moved to Bengkulu, Soekarno had undergone a difficult period of exile in Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, since 1934. However, due to Soekarno's declining health from contracting malaria in Ende, and pressure from national figures in Jakarta, the colonial government finally decided to move him to a location considered more "healthy" but still isolated from the political center in Java.

In 1938, Soekarno arrived in Bengkulu. The house that is now a historical site was not originally owned by the colonial government, but was a rented house belonging to a Chinese businessman named Tan Eng Chuan. This house was rented by the Dutch specifically to accommodate Soekarno, his wife, Inggit Garnasih, and their adopted daughter, Ratna Juami. It was here that Soekarno spent four years before finally being freed by the Japanese army in 1942.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Bung Karno's Exile House displays a unique blend of European colonial architecture with local touches and Chinese influences. The building stands on a land area of approximately 4,043 square meters with a main building area of about 162 square meters. The main building structure is rectangular with thick walls and high ceilings, a characteristic of colonial-era tropical buildings designed to maintain cool air circulation.

One of its construction peculiarities is the use of large windows with double-leaf doors (krepyak) that allow optimal sunlight penetration. The house's floor still retains the original brick-red tiles, giving a warm and classic impression. The roof is a majestic hip roof (limasan), reflecting the building's social strata at the time. At the front, there is a spacious veranda or porch, a place where Soekarno often sat to discuss with his guests or simply observe the lives of the Bengkulu people passing by.

Historical Significance and Important Events

The period of exile in Bengkulu was a very productive period for Soekarno's political and social thought. Far from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta's politics, he had time to delve into various disciplines, from architecture, art, to religion. It was also in this house that Soekarno was active in community activities. He joined the Muhammadiyah organization in Bengkulu and served as the Chairman of the Teaching Council.

One of the most prominent historical events from this site is Soekarno's meeting with Fatmawati. Fatmawati was the daughter of a local Muhammadiyah figure, Hassan Din. This meeting, which began as a teacher-student relationship, later developed into a romance that led to Fatmawati becoming Soekarno's wife and the first First Lady of Indonesia. It was in this house that Soekarno's personal life transition occurred, which later had a significant impact on the nation's symbolic history, including Fatmawati's sewing of the Red and White Heirloom Flag later on.

Furthermore, Soekarno's presence in Bengkulu also brought renewal in local architectural fields. As an engineer graduated from ITB, Soekarno designed the renovation of the Bengkulu Grand Mosque, which is located not far from the exile house. The iconic layered roof design of the mosque is a product of Soekarno's thoughts during his exile.

Unique Historical Figures and Facts

Besides Soekarno, Inggit Garnasih, and Fatmawati, this house was also frequently visited by local figures who became Soekarno's political disciples. A rarely known unique fact is Soekarno's collection of hundreds of books in various languages (Dutch, English, French, and German) neatly stored within this house. This personal library shows that even under house arrest, Soekarno's intellect was never confined.

Another interesting aspect is the presence of an old well at the back of the house. To this day, many visitors believe that the water from this well brings blessings or "charisma" because it was once used by the Proclamator for ablution and daily needs. Although this is a local myth, it adds to the cultural appeal of this historical site.

Preservation and Current Status

The Indonesian government fully recognizes the extraordinary historical value of this building. Bung Karno's Exile House has been designated as a national Cultural Heritage site under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Restoration efforts have been carried out several times to maintain the integrity of the building's structure without losing the authenticity of its materials.

Currently, the house functions as a well-organized museum. Visitors can see various relics left by Soekarno, ranging from the original iron bed, work desk, guest chairs, to the old bicycle that Soekarno often used to tour the city. Documentary photographs of his exile period are also displayed on the walls of the main rooms, providing a strong visual narrative for tourists.

Culturally, this house has become a major tourism icon in Bengkulu Province. Its existence is not only a reminder of the suffering of the nation's founders at the hands of the colonizers, but also a symbol of a leader's steadfastness and adaptability in the most difficult conditions. With continuous maintenance and promotion as a historical tourist destination, Bung Karno's Exile House continues to inspire Indonesian youth about the importance of struggle and love for the homeland.