I was still staring at Bung Hatta Birth House from sidewalk of Soekarno Hatta Street, not willing to leave it, but I kept thinking about how a work team built a replica of that house precisely because the original house had collapsed in 1962 ago.
Stepping back towards the direction which I originally came, I turned onto Pemuda Street after passing through Banto Trade Center. My legs were still strong when faced with a swerving long road, I was willing to follow it because my eyes were spoiled with a stretch of green rice fields and typical “Gonjong” roof architecture which adorns official government buildings.
Looked like my trip would rotate and increasingly climb, my legs were no longer able after five days before always rely on it to explore Sumatra Island.
It was time to called online transportation to reach Fort de Kock front gate. In less than five minutes of riding it, I climbed Jirek Hill and arrived at fort front gate.
“Wekom in Fort De Kock”…..
Past the gate, “Family Benteng Indah” restaurant was the first greeter, then forwarded by ticket sales counter. Even though, I visited Fort de Kock, the venue which was written on ticket was Wildlife Cultural Park Kinantan with its price listed about USD 1.1.
After passing ticket check point, food stalls stood in line on right side. Then a cage of an endemic Chinese pigeon type “Junai Mas” was placed at its end. After that, I could see original shape of the fort.
Fort Fort Kock was established by Captain Bauer as dome of Dutch East Indies Government in facing of people resistance in Padri War which was led by Tuanku Imam Bonjol. This war itself erupted in first quarter of 19th Century. At that time, Boan Hendrick Markus de Kock was the commander of Der Troepen and Deputy Governor General of Dutch East Indies Government. This is where the name “Fort de Kock” originated.
The main building of the fort which is no more than 400 square meters looks small but is very strong physically and strategically. In physical form, this fort has a good wall thickness. And strategically, the fort is tough because it is located right at hill top, making it easy for anyone to observe all movements of enemy around.
I tried to continue to imagine how great Tuanku Imam Bonjol actions in leading Padri people against Dutch Colonialism. Until Netherlands had to build this fort to secure its power from threat of this charismatic leader.
