Ontel bicycle in Pavilion of Bung Hatta Birthplace Museum

The combination of yellow, blue and orange was slightly tarnished by peeling of Banto Trade Center wall paint. But that wasn’t the focus, Ramlan Nurmatias and Joko Widodo’s handshake had stunned me. It seems that the Mayor and the number one person of my country have agreed on laying the first stone of Ateh Market revitalization project….Apparently, Bukittinggi is actively building.

Meanwhile, Banto Trade Center courtyard was be a trader area for selling vegetables on their cart and motorbike. Then far ahead, still in Soekarno Hatta Street, a golden plaque “Adipura Kencana” is upheld by a single white pole. Shows that this city is recognized for cleanliness throughout the country.

Sekitar dua kilometer sajalah, avku tiba di sebuah mulut gang. “Gg Komp Sabar” begitulah aksara dalam plat nama berwarna hijau yang ditegakkAbout two kilometers away, I arrived at an alleyway. “Gang Kompleks Sabar” were words in a green name plate which was placed on a black pole with a bigger size with thick white script “Museum Rumah Kelahiran Bung Hatta Proklamator RI, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No. 37 Bukittinggi“

It is a duplication of original house architecture which if it still stands, it will be 160 years old. Unfortunately it had collapsed in the 60’s, but upon the chairman idea of Bung Hatta Education Foundation, it was rebuilt.

Built according to its original curves, according to its picture in memoirs and various family-owned documentation. In general, this house can also describe situation and past life of Bukittinggi society and especially Bung Hatta’s family.

Main Building

This Bukittingi’s typical house consists of main building, pavilion, rice barn, kitchen, horse stable and fish pond.

The main building itself consists of two floors and is at forefront of house area. The main building serves to receive guests, family dining room and bedroom of Bung Hatta’s mother, uncle and grandfather.

Here’s a glimpse of booths on main building’s second floor:

Floor 1.

Floor 2.

Pavilion

Behind the main building, a pavilion was built. This white wall building was used for kitchen, Bung Hatta’s bedroom, bathroom, horse stable and hansom cab room. From his bedroom, Bung Hatta began his education at Europese Lageree School (ELS) Bukittinggi. In his room is also stored bicycle which was often used Bung Hatta everyday. It was given by his parents since he was 8 years old.

He lived with his grandfather, Syech Adurrachman, also known as Syech Batuhampar. His grandfather himself worked as a private post contractor.

At the end of my visitation, I was curious about Ma’ Etek Ayub profile as someone who helped Bung Hatta in continuing school, his profession was “Time Trade Practice”. Confused by this profession type, I asked to an elderly woman who worked to took care of this whole house.

Rice Barn

Like as past era houses, when this nation was still experiencing economic difficulties. Rice granaries are an effort to ensure family food security.

After completing his primary education, Bung Hatta continued his secondary education at Meer Uitgebred Lager Onderwijs (MULO) or secondary school in Padang City.