Bandung history

The history of Bandung is a clear example of how strategic planning and natural conditions can transform a small settlement into a major and prosperous city. Although the first mentions of the area date back to the 15th century, the modern city owes its birth to the era of Dutch colonization.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official founding date of Bandung is considered to be 25 September 1810. On this day, Herman Willem Daendels, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, ordered the relocation of the regency capital to a new site. This decision was dictated by the construction of the Great Post Road (De Grote Postweg), which connected the western and eastern coasts of Java and passed through this area. The city was established as a new administrative centre designed to strengthen control and improve logistics in the region.

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the rapid development of Bandung in the 19th and early 20th centuries:

• Geography: Located on a plateau at an altitude of about 768 metres above sea level, the city was distinguished by a cooler and more comfortable climate compared to the hot coastal Jakarta. This attracted European planters and administrators here.
• Trade and Economy: The surroundings of Bandung were the centre of vast tea, coffee, and cinchona plantations. The city quickly became an economic hub for wealthy plantation owners.
• Infrastructure: Following the construction of the Great Post Road, a key role was played by the laying of the railway in 1880, connecting Bandung with Batavia (present-day Jakarta). This gave a powerful impetus to the development of industry and trade.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, Bandung experienced its "Golden Age". Thanks to a thriving economy and an influx of Europeans, the city was transformed. Luxurious hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and European-style cafes opened their doors. For its elegance, fashionable crowd, and abundance of Art Deco buildings, Bandung received the unofficial title of "Parijs van Java" (Paris of Java). This period left behind a rich architectural heritage that continues to define the unique appearance of the city's historic centre today.

Key Dates in the History of Bandung

The history of Bandung is full of events that turned it from a small settlement into an important cultural and political centre of Indonesia. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• 1488 — The first written mention of the region where Bandung is located today, found in ancient manuscripts.
• 25 September 1810 — The official founding date of the city, linked to the order by Governor-General Herman Willem Daendels to move the regency capital during the construction of the Great Post Road.
• 1880 — Construction of the first railway line connecting Bandung with Batavia (now Jakarta), which gave a powerful boost to economic growth and industrial development.
• 1906 — Bandung receives municipality status (gemeente) and begins to actively develop as a resort city for European planters.
• 1920s — The "Golden Age" of Bandung, when the city earned the nickname "Paris of Java" (Parijs van Java) for its elegant Art Deco architecture and European atmosphere.
• 24 March 1946 — An event known as the "Bandung Sea of Fire" (Bandung Lautan Api), when Indonesian fighters set fire to the southern part of the city during the struggle for independence so that it would not fall to Dutch troops.
• 18–24 April 1955 — The historic Asian-African Conference takes place in Bandung, attended by leaders from 29 Asian and African countries to discuss peace, cooperation, and opposition to colonialism.
• 1961 — The ideas laid down at the Bandung Conference lead to the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement, an important international organization during the Cold War era.

Main Milestones of Bandung's Development

The development of Bandung is a story of transformations that turned it from a colonial administrative post into one of Indonesia's key centres. Each stage left a noticeable mark on the economy, culture, and urban landscape.

• Construction of the Great Post Road (1810) — This event laid the foundation for the establishment of the city. The road linked Bandung with Batavia (Jakarta) and other strategic points, defining its role as an important administrative and logistics hub.
• Railway Construction (1880) — This became a powerful economic catalyst. Thanks to the railway, Bandung turned into a trade centre for produce from surrounding plantations — tea, coffee, and cinchona — which facilitated capital inflow and rapid city growth.
• Founding of the Technical Institute (1920) — The future Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) determined the city's development vector as the country's leading educational and scientific centre from the moment of its creation. It attracted and continues to attract the best minds of Indonesia to the city.
• Flourishing of Art Deco Architecture (1920s) — Economic prosperity led to a construction boom. The city was built up with elegant Art Deco buildings, earning it the nickname "Paris of Java". This unique architectural heritage remains its calling card today.
• Asian-African Conference (1955) — This event brought Bandung worldwide fame and political weight. The city became a symbol of solidarity between Asian and African countries, and the "Bandung Spirit" formed the basis of the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Fashion and Textile Hub (1990s) — At the end of the 20th century, Bandung underwent a new economic transformation, becoming the capital of Indonesian fashion and the textile industry. The emergence of numerous factory outlets and designer shops made it a popular destination for shopping tourism.
• Course towards a "Smart City" (2010s) — In the 21st century, Bandung is actively implementing technology to improve the urban environment, governance, and the quality of life for citizens. The city has become one of the leaders in Indonesia in developing the digital economy, creative industries, and the startup ecosystem.

Bandung's architectural appearance is a unique combination of European heritage and Indonesian traditions, which formed over several key eras. The city, often called the "Paris of Java", became a true laboratory for architects of the early 20th century and still preserves its unique style.

Colonial Style and Neoclassical Influence

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, while under the administration of the Dutch East Indies, Bandung was developed with buildings in European styles. Early structures leaned towards Neoclassicism, which was characteristic of administrative buildings of that time. However, a real breakthrough occurred with the emergence of the so-called "Indies Style" (Indische Stijl) — an attempt to adapt European architecture to the tropical climate. One of the most striking examples of this synthesis is Gedung Sate (1924). In its appearance, neoclassical features, such as a symmetrical façade and arches, harmoniously combine with elements borrowed from Indonesian and Hindu temple architecture, which is especially noticeable in the roof design.

The "Golden Age" of Art Deco

Bandung's heyday occurred in the 1920s–1930s, when the city became a centre of the Art Deco architectural movement. Economic growth and the influx of Europeans created a demand for modern and elegant architecture. Dutch architects, such as Charles Prosper Wolff Schoemaker and Albert Aalbers, actively experimented, creating a unique tropical variant of Art Deco. This style is characterized by strict geometric shapes, streamlined lines, and functionality. Iconic buildings of this era include:

• Villa Isola (1933) — The former residence of a media tycoon, and now a university administrative building, is a masterpiece of the style by architect Schoemaker. The building is distinguished by smooth curves and harmonious integration into the landscape.
• Savoy Homann Hotel — Another bright example of Streamline Moderne Art Deco, designed by Albert Aalbers.
• Gedung Merdeka (Independence Building) — Art Deco features are also traceable here; the building became world-famous after hosting the Bandung Conference in 1955.

Modern and Postmodern Architecture

After Indonesia gained independence, Bandung's architecture began to seek a new identity. The modern period is characterized by a mix of international styles and a search for national motifs. Both large modern complexes and buildings reinterpreting traditional heritage appear in the city. An example is the Grand Mosque of Bandung, which, after numerous renovations, acquired its current appearance in 2003 with a large dome and two 81-metre minarets. It symbolizes the fusion of Islamic architectural canons with modern technology and scale.

Prominent Figures Linked to Bandung

Bandung, being one of the cultural, political, and scientific centres of Indonesia, became the home or place of activity for many iconic figures. These people left a deep mark on the history of not only the city but the entire country.

• Sukarno (1901–1970) — The first president and one of the founders of independent Indonesia. His connection with the city is inseparable: it was in Bandung that he received his higher education at the Technical Institute (now ITB). Here, he also became one of the leaders of the national liberation movement, which largely determined the country's future destiny.
• Raden Adipati Wiranatakusuma V (1888–1965) — An Indonesian statesman born in Bandung. He served as the Regent of Bandung, and after the proclamation of independence, became the first Minister of Home Affairs of Indonesia.
• Dewi Sartika (1884–1947) — A national heroine of Indonesia and a pioneer of women's education. In 1904, she founded the first school for native girls in Bandung, which was a revolutionary step in the fight for equal rights and access to knowledge for women.
• Charles Prosper Wolff Schoemaker (1882–1960) — A Dutch architect who had a huge influence on the appearance of the "Paris of Java". He designed many iconic Art Deco buildings, including Villa Isola and the Grand Hotel Preanger, and was also a professor at the Bandung Technical Institute, where one of his students was the future president Sukarno.
• Ridwan Kamil (born 1971) — A modern politician and architect. Before becoming the Governor of West Java province, he was the Mayor of Bandung (2013–2018). During his leadership, the city was transformed thanks to the implementation of innovative urban planning solutions and the development of creative spaces. He is also a graduate and lecturer at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
• Mohammad Natsir (1908–1993) — A prominent political and religious figure, the fifth Prime Minister of Indonesia. His political career is closely linked to Bandung, where he actively participated in the nationalist movement and intellectual discussions about the future of the country.