{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1815251,
        "msgid": "tracing-a-century-of-jam-gadang-bukittinggis-timekeeper-1782049877",
        "date": "2026-06-21 20:26:00",
        "title": "Tracing a Century of Jam Gadang, Bukittinggi's Timekeeper",
        "author": "Putri Yuliani",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Anthropology",
        "summary": "The Jam Gadang clock tower in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, marks over a century as a cultural landmark and silent witness to Indonesia's historical transformations. Built in 1926 as a gift from the Dutch Queen, its unique architecture and rare German clock mechanism have made it a symbol of resilience. The monument's changing roof styles reflect the nation's political shifts, and its centenary is being used to strengthen Indonesia-Netherlands diplomatic ties.",
        "content": "<p>Standing firmly in the heart of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Jam Gadang\nis not merely a timekeeping tower. Having surpassed a century, this\nmonument has become a silent witness to Indonesia\u2019s historical\ntransformation, from the Dutch East Indies colonial era and the Japanese\noccupation to independence. Jam Gadang was built in 1926 by architects\nYazid Rajo Mangkuto and Sutan Gigi Ameh. The construction was a gift\nfrom the Dutch Queen to the then Controleur (City Secretary) of Fort de\nKock (now Bukittinggi), Rookmaaker. The first stone was laid by\nRookmaaker\u2019s eldest son, who was only four years old at the time. The\ntower stands approximately 26 metres tall with a base measuring 13 by 4\nmetres. The clock mechanism is a rare German-made Vortmann Relojos,\nreportedly one of only two units ever produced worldwide; the other is\ninstalled in Big Ben in London. One of the most intriguing historical\nfacts about Jam Gadang is how its roof design has changed in line with\nIndonesia\u2019s political dynamics. Now, after standing for a century, Jam\nGadang has been designated a cultural heritage building. The surrounding\narea has been revitalised into a green open space that serves as a\ncommunity hub and a destination for international tourists. Even after\nmore than 100 years, the chimes of Jam Gadang faithfully accompany the\ndaily lives of Bukittinggi\u2019s residents, demonstrating the resilience of\nits architecture and its timeless historical value. The existence of Jam\nGadang is a reminder that history is not only written in books but is\nalso tangibly carved into structures that continue to stand tall across\nthe ages. The 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang is being used as a\nmomentum to strengthen diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the\nNetherlands.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tracing-a-century-of-jam-gadang-bukittinggis-timekeeper-1782049877",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}