Vastenburg, a national heritage site in disrepair

Kartika Bagus C. The Jakarta Post Surakarta, Central Java

Hidden behind high fences and in bad repair, the old fort of Vastenburg which is located at Gladak Solo intersection in the heart of Surakarta or around half a kilometer from the Surakarta Hadiningrat palace, eludes public attention.

Back then, General Baron Van Imhoff erected the fort, then named Grootmoedigheid, in 1745 as a stronghold for the Dutch East Indies troops in Central Java. It was built near the palace in a clear attempt to control the maneuvers of Surakarta's royal circles.

The building, also meant to fortify the Dutch governor's residence, is surrounded by other structures to house Dutch officers and soldiers. With brick walls six meters high, it has a moat and a drawbridge.

After the war of independence, the fortress became a military defense base of Battalion IV/Pulanggeni, Territory I, Division X, formed in October 1945 as part of the People's Security Forces (TKR). It was also the headquarters of Battalion 413 in 1981 and served as a military training site later on.

At present, the historic structure has almost lost its original features. Several parts of the walls are covered with iron and copper sheets, with sedge grass growing over part of the premises, encouraging goats to roam and graze.

Having lost its stately and imposing persona, Vastenburg is reportedly going to be demolished for the construction of a five- star hotel. Its name will soon be lost with the passing of time.

The tragic fate of Vastenburg was sealed in an agreement between Battalion 413 and Batik Keris company in 1982, which was approved by then Surakarta mayor R. Hartomo. The historic building was thus privately controlled.

Local media reports indicate that the fort is now divided between private firms.

Historian of the Surakarta-based Sebelas Maret University Sudharmono regretted the privatization of Vastenburg, describing it as an encroachment on the cultural heritage of Surakarta. It reflects Surakarta's colonial character, besides serving as a city landmark.

According to Sudharmono, a number of historians and architecture students had staged a demonstration against the deal because the move represented an annexation of public assets. He criticized officials in Surakarta for having no concept of urban layout, which should view the city's history as a collective memory of society, thus making the heritage site public property.

However, Sudharmono still sees the possibility of restoring the asset to public ownership in view of Vastenburg's historic status, by reviewing all the past transaction accords.

"Each generation, in the context of history, has the right to reinterpret past historical events. The Central Java Institute of Archeological Studies should prove that the building is a historical landmark and declare it an archeological reserve," he asserted.