Bengkulu history

The history of Bengkulu is inextricably linked to the era of colonial competition for control over the spice trade in Southeast Asia. The city, known to the British as Bencoolen, was founded as a trading outpost and played a significant role in the region for a century and a half.

Foundation and the British Period

The city was established by the British East India Company in 1685. This occurred after the British were ousted by the Dutch from Bantam on the island of Java and were urgently seeking a new hub for purchasing pepper on Sumatra. Initially, a fortification named Fort York was erected, but later, in 1714, the construction of a much stronger fortress began — Fort Marlborough, which became the administrative and military centre of British possessions in this region. The city remained under British administration for nearly 140 years until it was transferred to the Netherlands in exchange for Malacca under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Bengkulu was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the southwest coast of Sumatra, providing convenient access to maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and serving as a strategic point for the British presence.
• Pepper Trade: The primary reason for the city's foundation and development was the monopoly on the pepper trade. Bengkulu became the main centre for the collection and export of this valuable spice for the British Empire in the region.
• Political Power: As the capital of the British possession of Bencoolen, the city was an important administrative centre from which the coastal territories of Sumatra were governed.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Bengkulu was a multi-ethnic settlement inhabited by British administrators, soldiers, local residents, as well as traders from China, India, and other regions. The economy was almost entirely focused on the cultivation and export of pepper, making it highly vulnerable. Despite its strategic importance, the settlement suffered from tropical diseases such as malaria and dysentery, leading to high mortality rates among Europeans. This period shaped the city's unique historical heritage, which can still be seen today in its architecture, particularly in the well-preserved Fort Marlborough.

Key Dates in the History of Bengkulu

The history of Bengkulu is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting the struggle for trade routes, the colonial past, and the emergence of an independent Indonesia. Below are the major milestones in the city's development.

• 1685 – The British East India Company establishes the Bencoolen trading post in the region to purchase pepper following the loss of its base in Bantam.
• 1714 – Construction begins on the formidable Fort Marlborough, which becomes the main British fortification and administrative centre on Sumatra.
• 1719 – An uprising of the local population breaks out, resulting in the British temporarily abandoning the fort and the settlement.
• 1818 – Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, becomes the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen and implements a number of important reforms, including the abolition of slavery.
• 1824 – Under the terms of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, Great Britain cedes Bengkulu to the Netherlands in exchange for control over Malacca.
• 1938–1942 – The future first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, serves his exile in Bengkulu, imposed by the Dutch colonial administration.
• 1942–1945 – The city is under Japanese occupation during World War II.
• 1945 – Following the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, Bengkulu officially becomes part of the new state.
• 1968 – Bengkulu receives the status of the capital of the newly formed province of the same name.
• 2000 – A powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra causes significant damage to the city and surrounding areas.

Key Stages of Bengkulu's Development

The development of Bengkulu is a story of transformation from a colonial trading post into a modern administrative centre. The main milestones reflect the economic, cultural, and urban changes that have shaped the city's appearance.

• Foundation as a Pepper Trade Centre (Late 17th Century): The city's economy was originally built on the British East India Company's monopoly on the pepper trade. This defined its strategic importance and attracted Europeans to the region, marking the beginning of its colonial history.
• Construction of Fort Marlborough (1714–1719): The erection of this powerful fortification was a key urban planning project. The fort served not only as a military bastion but also as the administrative hub of British possessions on Sumatra, defining the city centre for many years.
• Period of Reforms by Stamford Raffles (1818–1824): As Lieutenant-Governor, Raffles initiated important social transformations, including the prohibition of slavery. His activities contributed to the humanisation of colonial administration and left a notable mark on the cultural development of the region.
• Transfer to Dutch Control (1824): As a result of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, the city was handed over to the Dutch, integrating it into the economic and administrative system of the Dutch East Indies and changing the vector of its external relations.
• Sukarno's Exile and the Rise of National Consciousness (1938–1942): The residence of the future first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, in Bengkulu turned the city into a centre for the independence movement. This period holds immense cultural and historical significance for the entire nation.
• Status as Provincial Capital (1968): Receiving the status of the administrative centre of the eponymous province gave a powerful impetus to development. This led to population growth, the construction of government buildings, infrastructure development, and Bengkulu's transformation into a modern regional hub.
• Development of Education and Science (Late 20th Century): The founding of the University of Bengkulu and other educational institutions strengthened the city's status as an educational centre, attracting youth and fostering intellectual and cultural growth.

The architectural landscape of Bengkulu represents a unique blend of European colonial heritage, traditional Indonesian forms, and modern development. Each historical period has left its mark on the city's appearance, creating a multi-layered and interesting urban environment.

British Colonial Heritage (17th–19th Centuries)

The dominant architectural monument of this period is Fort Marlborough, built between 1714 and 1719. It is one of the strongest British fortifications in Southeast Asia, executed in the style of European military fortification architecture of that time. Its massive earth ramparts, bastions, and internal structures demonstrate the functional and utilitarian approach characteristic of military structures. Civil architecture of this period was less monumental and combined British building traditions with adaptation to the tropical climate.

Dutch Influence and Early 20th Century Architecture

After coming under Dutch control in 1824, buildings characteristic of Dutch colonial architecture began to appear in Bengkulu. A striking example is the house where Sukarno served his exile (1938–1942). This building represents a specimen of the so-called "Indies" (Indische) style — a hybrid of European modernism and tropical architecture. It is characterised by high ceilings for ventilation, wide verandas, and large windows, ensuring comfortable living in humid climate conditions.

Traditional Architecture

Parallel to colonial development, local architecture was preserved and evolved in the region. Traditional houses of the peoples inhabiting Bengkulu province are often "rumah panggung" (stilt houses). Such a design protects against floods and wild animals, and also provides natural ventilation. Buildings were constructed from wood and other natural materials, and their form and decor reflected the social status of the owners and local beliefs.

Modern Development (Post-1945)

After Indonesia gained independence and Bengkulu was granted the status of a provincial capital in 1968, a new stage of urban planning began. The city saw the active construction of administrative buildings, mosques, educational institutions (such as the University of Bengkulu campus), and residential areas. Modern architecture in Bengkulu is predominantly functional and follows global trends, yet in the design of some new buildings, one can notice attempts to reinterpret traditional motifs and forms.

Distinguished Figures Linked to Bengkulu

Throughout its history, the city of Bengkulu has been a centre of important events and home to many significant figures whose activities influenced not only the region but also Indonesia as a whole and even world history.

• Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781–1826)

  Role: British statesman, founder of Singapore, Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen.
  Significance: While serving as the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (the old name for Bengkulu) from 1818 to 1824, Raffles implemented important administrative and social reforms here, including the abolition of slavery. His time in the city was a key stage in his career preceding the founding of Singapore.

• Sukarno (1901–1970)

  Role: First President of Indonesia, leader of the national independence movement.
  Significance: Bengkulu became his place of exile from 1938 to 1942. It was here that he met his future wife Fatmawati and continued his activities aimed at fighting for the country's independence. The house where he lived is now one of the city's main historical museums.

• Fatmawati (1923–1980)

  Role: First Lady of Indonesia, National Hero of Indonesia.
  Significance: A native of Bengkulu, Fatmawati became Sukarno's third wife and the mother of five of his children, including Megawati Sukarnoputri, who later became President of Indonesia. It was Fatmawati who sewed the first flag of independent Indonesia, which was raised on August 17, 1945, making her a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

• Thomas Parr (died 1807)

  Role: British Resident (head of administration) of Bencoolen.
  Significance: He was killed in 1807 during an uprising, which became one of the most dramatic events in the city's colonial history. His death reflected the high tension between the local population and the British administration. A monument is erected to him in the city centre.

• Helmi Hasan (born 1979)

  Role: Indonesian politician, Mayor of Bengkulu.
  Significance: Served as the Mayor of Bengkulu for two terms (2013–2018 and 2018–2023). His activities are associated with the modern stage of urban infrastructure development and management.