Tugu Cempako Telok Becomes New Icon of Palembang's Bundaran Air Mancur

Palembang’s new city icon was officially unveiled when the Bundaran Air Mancur (BAM) roundabout, featuring the Tugu Cempako Telok monument, was inaugurated on Sunday evening, 15 March. The ceremonial opening was attended by South Sumatera Governor Herman Deru, Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa, and prominent Islamic scholar Abdul Somad.

The launch of the Bundaran Air Mancur’s new face marked an important milestone for Palembang. The area, known as the city’s zero-kilometre point, now displays a more modern appearance with an artistic fountain concept and captivating multicoloured lighting.

The inauguration was further enhanced by the presence of Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS), a charismatic preacher who led prayers at the event.

South Sumatera Governor Herman Deru stated that the inauguration of the Bundaran Air Mancur with the Tugu Cempako Telok monument was expected to further beautify the appearance of the provincial capital. “The Bundaran Air Mancur is one of Palembang’s icons. With the arrival of the Tugu Cempako Telok and the new fountain concept, we hope this city becomes increasingly beautiful and something we can be proud of,” Deru said in a written statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Deru regarded the organisation of public spaces such as the Bundaran Air Mancur as an important part of building city identity whilst increasing tourist appeal. “This is not merely a monument, but a symbol of the city’s progress and the pride of Palembang’s people. I hope this place becomes a new tourist destination for both residents and visitors,” he added. He also urged the community to collectively maintain and care for the Tugu Cempako Telok monument that has been built.

Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa explained that the Tugu Cempako Telok presents a modern fountain concept combined with dynamic light displays. The fountain features water jets that move in specific patterns, forming formations resembling flowers. The artistic lighting, which changes colour continuously, further enhances the visual appeal, particularly at night.

“This dancing fountain displays flower-like formations with multicoloured lights. When the water shoots up and the lights change, the atmosphere becomes very beautiful and provides an attractive visual experience for the community,” Ratu Dewa said.

Ratu Dewa stressed that the BAM Tugu Cempako Telok is not merely urban infrastructure but also a symbol of civilisation and the identity of Palembang’s people. “The ornament inscribed with ‘Palembang Darussalam’ serves as a reminder of the long history of the Islamic sultanate that once flourished in the land of Sriwijaya. The flower petals adorning the monument symbolise faith, wisdom, and the spirit of mutual cooperation, whilst the engravings of the Asmaul Husna (Divine Names) emphasise a strong religious character. And at the very top, there is an inscription of ‘Muhammad, our noble prophet,’” she emphasised.

According to her, as Indonesia’s oldest city, the presence of the BAM Tugu Cempako Telok Palembang Darussalam is expected to become a source of pride for the people of South Sumatera, particularly Palembang residents. She regarded the arrival of the Tugu Cempako Telok at the Bundaran Air Mancur as a new symbol that reinforces Palembang’s city identity.

“With this new appearance, we want to show that Palembang continues to improve. Our city’s face is increasingly attractive and beautiful,” she said.

Ratu Dewa also invited the community to help maintain the public facility so it remains well-kept and can be enjoyed in the long term. “Now that it looks good, let us maintain it together. Do not let the beautified facility be damaged or stolen. This belongs to all of us,” she said.

The Bundaran Air Mancur in Palembang has long been recognised as one of the city’s iconic points and a favourite location for residents to relax and take photographs. The area has undergone several design changes since its initial construction.

The roundabout was erected in 1970. Initially, it contained only a small monument approximately 40 by 40 centimetres, painted blue with white lettering. As the city developed, the area underwent a major renovation in 2013 with a grander concept. At that time, the design adopted a Buddhist cosmos concept with Mount Meru as the primary inspiration.

Subsequently, in preparation for the Asian Games and SEA Games 2018, the Bundaran Air Mancur area was further beautified with a modern fountain concept that became one of the city’s attractions.

Towards the end of 2025, the government conducted another major renovation of the area, also known as Palembang’s zero-kilometre point. This renovation resulted in the Tugu Cempako Telok as the fourth monument to be erected at the location.

With this inauguration, the Bundaran Air Mancur is now not only a centre of community activity but also a new symbol of urban aesthetics, intended to reinforce Palembang’s image as a beautiful, modern city with great appeal.