Jam Gadang, The Icon Monument of Bukittinggi
- ANTARA FOTO/Iggoy el Fitra
The last renovation of Jam Gadang was in 2010 by the Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency (BPCB) with the support of the Bukittinggi city government and the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta. The renovation was completed on the 262nd anniversary of the city of Bukittinggi on December 22, 2010.
In July 2018, the Jam Gadang area was revitalized again by the government. The construction cost is IDR 18 billion and have been completed in February 2019.
The clockwork used in this monument is a rare item that only two units were produced by the Vortmann Recklinghausen factory, Germany.
One of the two types of production is still being used in the legendary city tower of London, England, namely Big Ben or known in Indonesia as the Big Ben Clock.
The working system in it moves the clock mechanically through two large pendants that balance each other. This system allows the watch to continue to function for years even without any energy source.
The machine on the third floor moves the clock facing the four cardinal directions. The diameter of each clockwise rotation area is 80 centimeters.
All hour digits are made using the Roman numbering system, but the number four is written in an unusual way, namely with the four letters 'I' (IIII) instead of the word 'IV'. It makes this Jam Gadang look unique.
At the Jam Gadang Tower Building, visitors and tourists can do many activities, such as going around the Sabai Jam Gadang park which is located in the Sabai Nan Aluih Park area. This park looks very similar to European-style gardening.
Then visitors can enjoy the attraction of the fountain. Then, visitors can climb the Jam Gadang Tower to the 4th level. After that, visitors can look for souvenirs for other families.
There is no entrance fee for the Tower Clock Tower. It is Free. However, there are a lot of food and culinary snacks in this place. Therefore, visitors must prepare a lot of money.
