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Taman Maluku and Jaarbers

Bandung

High up in the West lava highland, Bandung is blessed with a cool tropical climate, and beautiful spots of natural marvels. It possesses a unique charm that has attracted people from all over Indonesia and abroad since the beginning of the 2 century. It is quite understandable then that at one time, Bandung was the most popular tourist destination in the Dutch East Indies' Colony.
Looking back with some nostalgia on old black and white snapshots, we discover that Bandung had the attraction of not only being the perfect base for exploring some wonders of nature, but also of hosting some interesting yearly tourism events. It was Bandung's Regent at that time, B. Coops, who suggested the government organize an annual trade fair to attract more tourists.

Consequently, starting in 1920, and every year, from early June through July, Bandung hosted a lively "annual trade fair" called "Jaarbers". "Jaarbers" presented an exhibition of industrial and farming products from all over Indonesia and abroad.

As well as the display of industrial equipment and local and international industrial products, the annual trade fair hosted art and cultural performances. It is noted that many local and foreign artists participated in the festival. Eventually, many tourists from outside Bandung came to witness this spectacular and colorful event. The growing interest in it is evident in the number of people that visited Bandung during these two months in the year. Unfortunately, since 194 1, "Jaarbers" has been but an ideal of the past. However, what is left behind in memory is Taman Maluku. And let us not forget the magnificent Kolongdam building. In all their grandeur, they are remembered as the "Jaarbers" complex, and they are stained in history.
Located at the corner of J1. Maluku, JI. Aceh, and JI. Seram, Taman Maluku was built in 1919 in memorial of Pastor Verbraak S. J (1835﷓1918), a military priest who lived during the cruel Aceh war in the northernmost tip of Sumatra from 1873 to 1903. If you look closely at the northwestern corner of this small but pleasant park, you will find a statue of Pastor Verbraak. It is the only remaining one of an original six that were erected in memory of six colonial celebrities that once lived in Bandung. It is said that both the Dutch and the Indonesian people who fought in the war revered Pastor Verbraak for his kindness and humanity.

Kolongdam buiding on the other hand, has its own history. In the early years of the annual fair, starting in 1920, the exhibition was held in semi permanent structures much like tents. Then in 1925, Ir. RLA Shoemaker and his brother, CY Wolff. Shoemarker, were commissioned to design a permanent facility. Shortly after, a building was developed on a 35,000 square meter plot of land, and its design incorporated the modern function I and art deco architectural style. Details worthy of closer look are the decorative statues of three Herculean figures that appear to be supporting the roof above the A main entrance. Today, the building is used as a military off ice of MAKODIKLAT TNI AD.
Unfortunately, as a military office, Gedung "Jaarbers" is not open to the public. But, you can visit Taman Maluku in front of the "Jaarbers" building, and feel a little nostalgia.