Bireuen Regent's Hall (Radio Perjuangan House)

Bireuen Regent's Hall: The Grand Legacy of the Radio Perjuangan House and the Forgotten Capital of the Republic of Indonesia

The Bireuen Regent's Hall is more than just the official residence of the regional head; it is a living monument that holds the collective memory of the Indonesian nation in its struggle for independence. Strategically located in the center of Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, this building bears the prestigious title of "Rumah Radio Perjuangan" (Radio Perjuangan House). This site stands as a silent witness to Bireuen's role as the last bastion of Republican information amidst the military aggression of the colonizers, and also served as a temporary residence for President Soekarno during one of the most critical periods in Indonesian history.

#

Origins and Construction Period

Historically, the Bireuen Regent's Hall was built during the Dutch colonial era, around 1934. Initially, this building served as a Landhuis or official residence for the Dutch Controleur (colonial government supervisor) stationed in the Afdeeling Noord Kust van Aceh (North Coast of Aceh) region. The choice of Bireuen was not arbitrary; the city was a crucial transportation hub connecting the eastern, western, and central parts of Aceh at that time.

After the Dutch departed and the Japanese arrived, the building was repurposed as a Japanese military headquarters. However, its peak historical significance occurred during the physical revolution (1945-1949). Following the proclamation of independence, this building was taken over by independence fighters and became the headquarters of Division X of the Sumatra Command, led by Colonel Hussein Jusuf.

#

Architecture: A Blend of Tropical and Indische Styles

The architecture of the Bireuen Regent's Hall reflects the Indische Empire style, a building style that developed in the Dutch East Indies by adapting to the tropical climate. The most prominent features are the high ceilings, large windows for cross-ventilation, and spacious verandas surrounding the main building.

The building's structure is dominated by a combination of high-quality wood and thick concrete. One unique detail is the use of teak and merbau wood in certain parts that remain sturdy to this day. Its limasan-shaped roof gives an impression of grandeur while remaining shaded. Although it has undergone several renovations, the core structure and interior layout have been preserved to maintain its historical authenticity. In the front, there is a large courtyard that was often used as a venue for ceremonies and important state meetings in the past.

#

The Radio Perjuangan House and its Strategic Role

The nickname "Rumah Radio Perjuangan" is not an ordinary title. In 1948, when Yogyakarta fell to the Dutch through the Second Military Aggression and national leaders were captured, the existence of the Republic of Indonesia was on the brink. Amidst this information blackout, it was from the Bireuen Regent's Hall that the voice of resistance was broadcast.

A radio transmitter known as Radio Rimba Raya (which later moved to the forests of Central Aceh/Bener Meriah) was initially technically coordinated from the Bireuen area. From here, messages of struggle were sent to refute Dutch propaganda that claimed the Republic of Indonesia had collapsed. Through these radio broadcasts, the international community learned that Indonesia still existed, the Indonesian army was still fighting, and the government was still functioning from Aceh.

#

Bireuen as the Third Capital of the Republic of Indonesia

A unique fact often overlooked by national history books is Bireuen's role as the temporary capital of the Republic of Indonesia. For one week, specifically in mid-June 1948, President Soekarno moved the center of government to Bireuen. During this period, the Regent's Hall served as the presidential palace.

Soekarno's presence in Bireuen was not merely an escape but a strategy to rally support from the Acehnese people, who were known for their strong loyalty and financial resources to fund the nascent nation. It was in this hall that Bung Karno received commitments from Acehnese merchants and leaders to help purchase Indonesia's first airplane, the Dakota RI-001 Seulawah. Therefore, the local community proudly refers to Bireuen as the "Third Capital of the Republic of Indonesia" after Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

#

Important Figures and Historical Events

Besides President Soekarno, a central figure associated with the history of this hall is Colonel Hussein Jusuf, Commander of Division X. He was the one who ensured the president's safety during his time in Aceh and managed the logistics of the struggle in the northern region. Furthermore, charismatic religious scholars like Tgk. Muhammad Daud Beureueh also frequently held strategic meetings in this building to discuss the synchronization between the physical struggle and the spiritual support of the Acehnese people for Indonesian sovereignty.

#

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the Bireuen Regent's Hall has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site by the government through the Ministry of Education and Culture. This status provides legal protection to prevent the original form of the building from being arbitrarily altered. Restoration efforts undertaken so far have focused on strengthening the wooden structures that are showing signs of age and repainting according to the original colors.

Inside the hall, there is a special room called "Bung Karno's Room." This room is meticulously maintained, complete with the bed and desk once used by the Proclamator. The Bireuen Regency Government also designates this site as a Heritage Tourism destination to educate the younger generation about Aceh's vital role in defending the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

#

Cultural and National Significance

For the people of Bireuen, this hall is a symbol of pride and patriotism. It serves as a reminder that even in the most difficult times, the Acehnese people stood firm behind the Republic. The existence of this site strengthens Bireuen's identity as a "Kota Juang" (Fighter City). Religiously, this hall also often serves as a center for socio-religious activities, reflecting the values of the Acehnese society that unite nationalist spirit with a strong Islamic spiritual foundation.

Overall, the Bireuen Regent's Hall (Rumah Radio Perjuangan) is an invaluable asset. It is not merely an old colonial-style building but a historical "black box" of Indonesia, containing the recorded voices of courage from the westernmost tip of the archipelago for the sake of the nation's sovereignty. Preserving this hall means nurturing the nation's memory so that it does not forget its own roots of struggle.