Edo

Posted Wednesday, November 22, 2023

6mo

ESFJ

Pisces

4

5

Pematang Siantar Mayor's Office (Pematang Siantar City Hall)

The central government building of the Burgermeister (Mayor) of Pematang Siantar, located on Jalan Merdeka, is one of the legacies of the Dutch colonial government which is still well maintained. Its function is still the same, namely as the center of government even though in a different context. From an inscription in Dutch on the wall near the main door to the right of the entrance, it can be seen that this building was founded in 1920, precisely on 2nd January 1920. In full, the inscription reads: "DE EERSTE STEEN GELEGD OP DEN 2 JANUARY 1920. J TIDEMAN VOORZITTER VAN DEN GEMEENTERAAD PEMATANG – SIANTAR”. On the left parallel to the door there is an elongated rectangular hole where you can insert a letter, with the words "BRIEVEN". This historic building was also used as the Office of the Governor of Sumatra, which at that time was held by Mr.Teuku Muhammad Hasan, from 6th February to 29th July 1947. This two-story building, until now, is unique and looks antique when compared to other modern architectural buildings in the city of Pematang Siantar. At the top of the building, there is a dome supported by small towers with four, six and eight sides which are equipped with flags indicating the cardinal directions and large wall clocks on all four sides. The stairs to the second floor are made of wood arranged in folds. The very thick walls are made of layered bricks. In some parts it seems that the interior of this building has undergone many repairs and changes, but the main construction is still maintained. As one proof of the existence of a regional autonomous government in Pematang Siantar in the form of a township (gemeente) on 1st July 1917, it is only natural that this building, a legacy of the Dutch colonial era, be made a cultural heritage so that the historical heritage in the center of Pematang Siantar city can always be a memory or collective memory for the community. The top picture is taken around 1930 meanwhile the bottom picture is the recent photo that i captured today.