Van den Bosch Fortress (Benteng Pendem)

Exploring Colonial Traces at Benteng Van den Bosch (Benteng Pendem) Ngawi

Benteng Van den Bosch, more commonly known by locals as Benteng Pendem, is one of the most significant military architectural monuments left from the Dutch East Indies colonial era in East Java. Located in Pelem Village, Ngawi District, this fortress stands strong at the strategic confluence of two major rivers, the Bengawan Solo and the Madiun River. Its existence is not merely a pile of bricks, but a silent witness to the political ambitions, military tactics, and resistance of the Indonesian people in the 19th century.

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Origins and Historical Background

The construction of Benteng Van den Bosch is inseparable from the turmoil of the Java War or Diponegoro War (1825–1830). After the war ended, the Dutch realized how difficult it was to control the vast interior regions of Java. To strengthen their grip on power and anticipate future rebellions, Governor-General Johannes van den Bosch ordered the construction of a series of defensive fortresses in strategic locations.

Ngawi was chosen due to its vital geopolitical and economic position. In the 19th century, Ngawi was a bustling center of trade and a river port. Control over Ngawi meant control over the logistical transportation routes connecting the interior regions to the north coast of Java. The construction of this fortress began in 1839 and was fully completed in 1845. The name "Van den Bosch" was bestowed in honor of the Governor-General who initiated the Cultuurstelsel (Cultivation System) policy.

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Architecture and the Philosophy of "Benteng Pendem"

Architecturally, Benteng Van den Bosch adopts a European neoclassical style adapted to tropical conditions. However, its most unique characteristic, which earned it the nickname "Benteng Pendem" (Buried Fortress), is its elevation design. The fortress was intentionally built lower than the surrounding ground level or surrounded by high earth ramparts.

This design strategy aimed to make the fortress building invisible from a distance, making it difficult for enemies to target it with cannons from outside. Furthermore, these earth ramparts served as an additional defensive layer to absorb the impact of projectile explosions. The fortress has a rectangular plan measuring approximately 165 meters x 80 meters on a 15-hectare plot of land.

Its construction used red bricks without modern cement, but rather a mixture of lime and sand that has proven remarkably strong, enduring for nearly two centuries. Inside, there are hundreds of rooms, ranging from soldier barracks, gunpowder storage, logistics rooms, to administrative offices. Large windows with characteristic colonial arches provide good air circulation, while its thick walls offer maximum protection.

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Strategic Significance and Historical Events

This fortress served as the main military headquarters for Dutch infantry and cavalry troops in the eastern part of Java. It had the capacity to house around 250 Dutch soldiers and 60 cavalry units. The presence of this fortress effectively cut off the communication lines of the remaining guerillas loyal to Prince Diponegoro in the Madiun area and its surroundings.

One of the most prominent historical facts is the fortress's connection to K.H. Muhammad Muhammad Thohir, better known as Kyai Haji Muhammad Mursyid. He was a loyal follower of Prince Diponegoro who fiercely resisted the Dutch in the Ngawi region. According to historical records and local belief, Kyai Mursyid was once captured and detained within this fortress. His tomb is even located within the fortress complex, which to this day serves as a pilgrimage site for the local community, adding a religious dimension to this military site.

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The Japanese Occupation to Independence

As time went by, the fortress's function continued to change. During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), the fortress was taken over by the Japanese army and used as a defense camp and armory. After the proclamation of Indonesian independence, the fortress was briefly used by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as an ammunition depot and the headquarters of the Armed Battalion 12. Due to its restricted access to the public for decades under military authority, the fortress's condition remained isolated, which indirectly helped preserve its structural integrity from massive vandalism.

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Restoration Efforts and Conservation Status

For several decades, Benteng Van den Bosch suffered damage due to natural factors. The roots of large banyan trees had grown through the brick walls, creating an exotic impression while also threatening the structural integrity. However, awareness of the fortress's historical importance prompted the central government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), to undertake a major restoration that began in 2020.

This restoration was carried out with a high degree of caution to avoid diminishing its historical value. The main focus of the repairs included strengthening the building's structure, clearing damaging vegetation, and reactivating the ancient drainage system to prevent flooding within the fortress complex. Today, Benteng Pendem's appearance has become more organized without losing its past grandeur.

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Cultural and Educational Value

Currently, Benteng Van den Bosch has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage Building. For the people of Ngawi, this fortress is not just a tourist attraction but a regional identity. The presence of thousands of swallows nesting in the ceilings of the old buildings adds to its unique atmosphere.

Educationally, this site serves as a history laboratory for students to understand colonial military tactics, ancient construction techniques, and the great sacrifices of the nation in achieving sovereignty. The existence of Kyai Mursyid's tomb within the fortress also symbolizes the harmony between the history of land warfare and spiritual religious values.

In conclusion, Benteng Van den Bosch, or Benteng Pendem, is a historical gem in Ngawi that has successfully traversed time. From its function as an instrument of colonial oppression, it now stands as a monument of knowledge and cultural pride. Its preservation is a collective responsibility to ensure that future generations can still directly touch the historical traces that shaped the Indonesian nation.