Tangga Seratus

Exploring the Colonial Traces and Architectural Beauty of Tangga Seratus Sibolga

Sibolga City, known as the smallest port city in Indonesia, holds various historical narratives etched into its structures. One of the most iconic and historically rich sites is Tangga Seratus (Hundred Stairs). Located in Pasar Baru Village, Sibolga Kota District, this site is not just a series of steps but a silent witness to Sibolga's transformation from a local trading center to a strategic defense and administrative point during the Dutch East Indies colonial era.

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Historical Origins and Development Period

The construction of Tangga Seratus dates back to the early 20th century, around the 1900s, when the Dutch East Indies government began to strengthen its influence on the west coast of Sumatra. Sibolga, with its calm yet deep bay, was chosen as the administrative center of the Tapanuli Residency (Residentie Tapanoeli).

The construction of these stairs was not initially intended as a tourist attraction but as vital infrastructure for colonial officials. Tangga Seratus was built as a connecting access between the residential area at the foot of the hill and the government offices and official residences of Dutch officials located on the higher ground or hills. The hilly location was chosen by the Dutch for security reasons and for cooler air circulation compared to the hot coastal area.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

Technically, the name "Tangga Seratus" is a local designation referring to its numerous steps. Although the actual count might be slightly more or less than a hundred depending on the starting point of the count, the number "one hundred" has become its ingrained cultural identity.

The architecture of Tangga Seratus reflects a colonial construction style that prioritizes long-term durability. The main structure uses very sturdy natural stone and poured concrete materials. Each step is designed with a considerable width, allowing two to three people to walk side-by-side. A unique characteristic of this construction is the presence of several resting points or small landings between the inclines. These areas once served as brief resting spots for those climbing to the government complex on the hill.

The walls on the sides of the stairs are often adorned with moss and tropical vegetation, giving an ancient impression, yet the original structure still showcases the precision of Dutch civil engineering, capable of withstanding the soil erosion of Sibolga's hills for over a century.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Tangga Seratus played a crucial role in the power dynamics of Tapanuli. At the top of these stairs once stood the office of the Assisten Resident, who oversaw a vast area in the interior of North Sumatra. From this height, colonial rulers could monitor activities in Sibolga Port, which was the main exit point for export commodities such as rubber, coffee, and benzoin.

During World War II, the function of Tangga Seratus shifted strategically. When Japan occupied Sibolga in 1942, the hilly area around the stairs was repurposed as a military defense base. The Japanese built protective caves (lubang Jepang) and bunkers around the hilltop to monitor the movement of Allied ships in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, Tangga Seratus became a witness to the transition of power from the Dutch to the Japanese, and eventually became part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Indonesia after the proclamation of independence.

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Related Figures and Periods

This site is closely associated with the Pax Nederlandica period in North Sumatra. Figures such as the Residents of Tapanuli and the Assistant Residents stationed in Sibolga undoubtedly used this route as their daily access. Furthermore, in the history of local struggles, this area served as an observation point for Sibolga's independence fighters monitoring the movements of Dutch troops (NICA) during the Military Aggressions.

The existence of Tangga Seratus is also linked to the history of religious dissemination in the Batak land. Given that Sibolga was an entry point for missionaries and traders, these stairs were often used by cross-cultural figures seeking to meet administrative officials for licensing matters in the Tapanuli region.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Tangga Seratus has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site by the Sibolga City Government. Given its age, several renovation efforts have been undertaken to ensure visitor safety without compromising its historical value. The local government has added decorative lighting and handrails at several points to assist tourists.

Although the colonial offices at the summit are mostly no longer intact or have been repurposed into other buildings, the stair pathway itself has been maintained in its original form. The main challenge in preserving this site is the extreme weather and high humidity that accelerate stone erosion, thus moss cleaning and structural reinforcement are carried out periodically through self-help initiatives or programs from relevant departments.

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Cultural Importance and Unique Facts

For the people of Sibolga, Tangga Seratus is a symbol of resilience. There is a local myth that anyone who climbs the stairs without stopping will receive good fortune or have their wishes granted—a folktale that adds to the site's magical appeal.

Another unique fact is the visual perspective it offers. From the highest point of Tangga Seratus, visitors can see a 180-degree panorama of Sibolga City, including the crescent-shaped coastline, Poncan Island, and Sarudik Island. This makes Tangga Seratus one of the oldest viewpoints in North Sumatra, combining historical value with natural landscape beauty.

Culturally, this site has now become a public space where residents of various ethnicities in Sibolga—Batak, Pesisir, Minang, and Chinese—interact. Tangga Seratus is no longer a symbol of separation between colonial rulers and the common people, but a historical bridge connecting Sibolga's complex past with the city's future as a leading historical tourism destination in North Sumatra.