Ampenan Old Town

Traces of Maritime Glory in Ampenan Old Town: Lombok Island's Gateway to History

Ampenan Old Town is more than just a residential area on the west coast of Mataram City; it is a living artifact that captures the pulse of Nusantara's past trade. Situated on the edge of the Lombok Strait, this area is a historical site that bears silent witness to power transitions, cultural assimilation, and the maritime glory of West Nusa Tenggara.

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Origins and Founding Period: A Strategic Port City

The name "Ampenan" is believed to originate from the word "Ambi," meaning a stopover or transit point in the local language. Historically, this area began to develop rapidly in the early 19th century. Before the Dutch fully established their power, Ampenan had already become a busy traditional port under the control of the Karangasem Kingdom of Lombok.

The peak of Ampenan's development occurred from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. In 1894, after the fall of the Karangasem Dynasty's power to the Dutch East Indies through a bloody military expedition, the Dutch designated Ampenan as the main port for exporting commodities from Lombok Island. Leading commodities such as rice, cotton, cattle, and coffee were shipped from this port to various parts of the world, making it the busiest economic center in the Lesser Sunda region in its time.

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Architecture: A Blend of Colonial and Vernacular Styles

The visual characteristics of Ampenan Old Town are dominated by the Indische Empire Style architecture combined with Chinese-style shophouses. The main uniqueness of this area lies in its urban planning, which was divided by ethnicity (residential segregation), a typical policy of the Dutch colonial government called Wijkenstelsel.

The old buildings along Jalan Pabean display the characteristic construction of the early 20th century: thick red brick walls, high ceilings for optimal air circulation in the tropical climate, and large wooden windows with louvers. In this area, visitors can still find remnants of the Dutch shipping company's office (KPM - Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij) and old warehouses that were once used to store spices. The remains of iron pier piles jutting into the sea are evidence that European maritime construction technology was once massively applied here.

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Historical Significance: A Meeting Point of Nations

Ampenan holds extraordinary historical significance as a cultural "Melting Pot." Unlike other towns in Lombok dominated by the Sasak ethnic group, Ampenan has been home to extreme ethnic diversity since the 19th century. Here, there are adjacent Malay Village, Arab Village, Bugis Village, Banjar Village, and Chinatown.

This diversity is not without reason. The port factor attracted traders from Hadramaut (Yemen), Chinese traders from mainland China, and skilled sailors from Sulawesi. Their presence created a unique social ecosystem. One unique historical fact is Ampenan's role as the main entry point for Hajj pilgrims from all over Lombok and Sumbawa before the advent of air transportation. Ampenan Port was the "holy gateway" where thousands were sent off with tears and prayers to Mecca using steamships.

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Important Figures and Events

One figure whose name is inseparable from Ampenan's history is Anak Agung Gde Ngurah Karangasem, the ruler of Lombok who defended the region's sovereignty before finally succumbing to the Dutch. On the colonial side, the name General van Ham is often associated with the battles in Lombok, which had repercussions leading to the Dutch's total control of Ampenan port.

The major event that marked the end of Ampenan's glory was the relocation of the main port to Lembar in the 1970s. This decision was made because Ampenan's waters, facing the open sea directly, had waves that were too large and silting that was difficult to overcome, making it no longer able to accommodate large modern cargo ships. Since then, Ampenan has transformed from an economic center into a quiet cultural heritage area.

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Cultural and Religious Diversity

Religiously, Ampenan is a tangible example of inter-religious harmony in West Nusa Tenggara. Within a very close radius, stands the magnificent Ampenan Grand Mosque, the Po Hwa Kong Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Lombok (established in the 19th century), and churches from the colonial era.

The Po Hwa Kong Temple itself is a symbol of the existence of the Chinese community, who have integrated with the local community for hundreds of years. The presence of the Arab community in Kampung Arab has also had a strong influence on the spread of Islamic teachings and culinary traditions in Mataram, which remain a unique tourist attraction to this day.

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Conservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Ampenan Old Town has been designated as a member of the Indonesian Heritage Cities Network (JKPI). The Mataram City Government continues to strive for revitalization without losing its original identity. Restoration efforts are focused on improving the facades of old buildings along the main road and arranging the coastal area (Former Ampenan Port).

Although some buildings were damaged by the Lombok earthquake in 2018, the spirit to preserve this area remains strong. The local government has begun to implement strict regulations regarding changes to building forms in the core zone of the old town to maintain its aesthetic and historical value. Furthermore, the area is now functioning as a culinary and cultural tourist destination, where every afternoon people gather on the beach to enjoy the sunset against the backdrop of the old pier remnants.

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Conclusion: A Heritage to Be Protected

Ampenan Old Town is a living page of history. It tells of a time when Lombok was an important player in global trade, how European architecture touched local wisdom, and how diverse ethnic groups could live side-by-side in harmony for centuries. Preserving Ampenan means safeguarding the nation's collective memory of our identity as a great maritime nation. Its unique history makes Ampenan not just a tourist attraction, but an invaluable social and cultural laboratory for future generations.