Bandar Lampung history

The modern city of Bandar Lampung has a relatively recent history, officially appearing on the map as the result of an administrative decision. However, its roots go back centuries to the history of two separate settlements that formed its foundation.

Foundation and Merger

The city was formed by merging two neighbouring towns: the port of Telukbetung and the administrative centre of Tanjungkarang. For a long time, they developed in parallel, fulfilling different functions. The city received the official name Bandar Lampung only in 1983, which marked the final merger and the beginning of a new stage of development. However, the first settlements in this region date back much earlier, and the official founding date is considered to be 17 June 1682.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Its location at the southern tip of Sumatra, on the shores of Lampung Bay, made the city a strategically important point on the route to Java.
• Trade: Historically, Telukbetung served as a key port for exporting the region's agricultural products, primarily the famous black pepper. This role as a maritime gateway contributed to economic growth and cultural exchange.
• Administrative Role: Tanjungkarang developed as an administrative centre, which is reflected today in Bandar Lampung's status as the capital of the Lampung province.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early history of the region is closely tied to the culture of the indigenous Lampung people. The economy was initially focused on agriculture and maritime trade. During the colonial period, the city, then known as Oosthaven (Dutch for East Harbour), was an important link in the trade chain of the Dutch East Indies. This heritage, mixed with local traditions, formed the unique cultural appearance of modern Bandar Lampung.

Key Dates in the History of Bandar Lampung

The history of the city is a chronicle of the merger of two centres, port and administrative, which together formed the modern capital of the Lampung province.

• 17 June 1682 — Considered the official founding date of the city, marking the beginning of a settlement that eventually turned into one of the key centres of the region.
• Colonial Period (17th-20th centuries) — Under Dutch administration, the port, known as Oosthaven, became an important link in the trade chain of the Dutch East Indies, specialising in the export of pepper and other spices.
• 1883 — The devastating eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, located in the Sunda Strait, had a significant impact on coastal areas, including the port of Telukbetung.
• 1945–1949 — During the struggle for Indonesia's independence, the city, like the rest of the country, went through a transitional period from colonial rule to sovereignty.
• 18 March 1964 — The province of Lampung was officially formed, and the predecessor cities of Bandar Lampung became its administrative centre.
• 1983 — The official unification of the cities of Tanjungkarang and Telukbetung took place under the single name Bandar Lampung, marking the beginning of its modern stage of development.
• 10 May 2005 — A powerful earthquake caused damage to the province, once again reminding of the region's location in a seismically active zone.

Key Stages of Bandar Lampung's Development

The development of the city of Bandar Lampung is a story of transformation from two separate settlements into a modern administrative and economic centre of the province. The main milestones of this journey reflect its strategic importance and cultural dynamics.

• Establishment of a Port Centre (Colonial Period): The predecessor city of Telukbetung, known to the Dutch as Oosthaven, became a key port for the export of spices, primarily black pepper. This laid the foundation for the region's economic specialisation and its integration into global trade.
• Granting of Provincial Capital Status (1964): With the formation of the Lampung province on 18 March 1964, the city became its administrative centre. This event gave a powerful impulse to urban development, population growth, and the concentration of management functions.
• Founding of the University of Lampung (1965): The opening of the main state university (UNILA) turned the city into an important educational and scientific centre of the region. This contributed to the formation of an intellectual elite and attracted youth from all over Sumatra and other islands.
• Development of the Trans-Sumatran Highway: The construction and modernisation of this main transport artery strengthened Bandar Lampung's role as the "Gateway to Sumatra". The highway ensured efficient logistical connection with the rest of the island and the ferry crossing to Java, stimulating trade and population mobility.
• Official City Unification (1983): The administrative merger of the port of Telukbetung and the governmental Tanjungkarang under the single name Bandar Lampung became the formal completion of the integration process. This step allowed for a unified urban planning and economic policy.
• Port Modernisation and Economic Diversification: In the modern period, the Panjang Port, successor to the old port, underwent modernisation to service container shipments. The city's economy expanded beyond agriculture to encompass trade, services, and industry, strengthening its status as one of Indonesia's significant economic hubs.

The architectural appearance of Bandar Lampung represents an eclectic combination of several eras and styles, reflecting its history as a port, administrative, and cultural centre. The city lacks classic European styles like Gothic or Baroque; however, its development has formed a unique urban landscape.

Colonial Heritage

During the period of Dutch colonial rule, when the city was known as Oosthaven, buildings in the colonial style appeared here. It is characterised by structures with thick walls, high ceilings, and large windows to adapt to the tropical climate. Although many of these structures have not been preserved in their original form, their influence can still be traced in the layout of old districts, especially in the vicinity of the Telukbetung port.

Traditional Lampung Architecture

An important part of the city's identity is the traditional architecture of the indigenous Lampung people. Its key element is the stilt house (rumah panggung) with a characteristic roof. These motifs are also reflected in modern iconic structures. A striking example is Menara Siger — a tower located at the entrance to the city from the Bakauheni port, which has become a symbol of the province. Its design is inspired by traditional headdresses and Lampung architecture.

Modern Urban Planning (since the 1960s)

After Indonesia gained independence and the city became the provincial capital, a period of active construction began. This stage is characterised by the appearance of functional buildings in the style of modernism and contemporary Indonesian architecture.

• Administrative and Public Buildings: Urban development was focused around the former Tanjungkarang, which became the administrative core. Government institutions were erected here, as well as the main educational centre — the University of Lampung.
• Religious Architecture: One of the most recognisable modern symbols of the city is the Al Furqon Grand Mosque. Its monumental design with tall minarets dominates the city panorama.
• Memorial Structures: The city features the Krakatoa Monument, commemorating the powerful eruption of 1883, and the Adipura Monument.

The merger of the two cities — the port of Telukbetung and the administrative Tanjungkarang — still defines the dual structure of Bandar Lampung, where commercial activity is concentrated near the coast, while government and residential areas stretch inland.

The city of Bandar Lampung and the Lampung province as a whole are the birthplace of many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the history, politics, and culture of Indonesia. Here are some of them:

Radin Inten II

Role: National Hero of Indonesia, Sultan.

Significance: Radin Inten II (1834–1856) is one of the most revered historical figures of the region. He led a fierce resistance against Dutch colonisers in the mid-19th century, becoming a symbol of the struggle for independence. Despite his young age, he proved himself a talented strategist and fearless warrior. His name is immortalised in the name of the main airport of the Lampung province, highlighting his enduring importance to the local population.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati

Role: Economist, Stateswoman.

Significance: A native of Bandar Lampung (then Tanjungkarang), Sri Mulyani (born 1962) is one of the most influential women in modern Indonesia. She has repeatedly served as the country's Minister of Finance, and also worked as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank Group. Her work has received international recognition for implementing successful economic reforms.

Alamsjah Ratoe Perwiranegara

Role: Military figure, Politician.

Significance: This National Hero (1925–1998) from Lampung played an important role during the struggle for Indonesia's independence. Subsequently, he held a number of high posts in the government, including Minister of Religious Affairs and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, contributing to the state-building of the young republic.

KH Ahmad Hanafiah

Role: Islamic scholar (Ulama), Independence fighter.

Significance: Ahmad Hanafiah was a prominent religious leader who actively participated in guerrilla warfare against Dutch troops during the war for independence. He died in 1947 defending the country's sovereignty. In 2023, he was officially recognised as a National Hero of Indonesia for his services, which was a significant event for the entire Lampung province.

Zainal Abidin Pagaralam

Role: Civil servant, Governor.

Significance: Zainal Abidin (1916–1989) was a key figure in the administrative development of the city and province. He served as the Mayor of Bandar Lampung and later became the second Governor of the Lampung province. His work laid the foundation for the further growth and modernisation of the region. He was also recognised as a hero of regional significance.

HIM Damsyik

Role: Actor.

Significance: HIM Damsyik (1929–2012), born in Bandar Lampung, was a famous Indonesian film and television actor, as well as a dancer. His career spanned several decades, and he became a recognisable face in Indonesian pop culture, especially thanks to his memorable role in the popular series "Cinta Fitri". He represents the city's cultural contribution to the national heritage.