Van Der Wijck : Leading Defense Castle in South Java

 

Since the colonial period to the kingdom , some areas in Central Java is the center of government and commerce . No wonder so many historical relics such as the buildings we can still see today , such as the castle , offices , stations, and so on. One proof of the historical heritage in Central Java is the fortress of Van Der Wijck .

The fort is located in Gombong, about 19 km from the city center of Kebumen, a Dutch colonial forts that are unique . Uniqueness of Van Der Wijck fort located in buildings made entirely of bricks . Even octagonal fort roof is also made of solid bricks and made to resemble the small hills , so it is ideal as a defense once reconnaissance .

Age fortress estimated to be hundreds of years because it was built during the Diponegoro war 

(1825-1830). This estimate is associated with theexistence of Kyai Giyombong and Kyai Gajahguling in Gombong. Both figures support Diponegoro in Bagelen ( South Kedu ) .

During the Japanese occupation, Fort Van Der Wijck complex functioned as a training ground member of PETA ( Defenders of the Homeland ) , an organization established by the Japanese Indonesian army to confront the allies . At this time , Japan Dutch writings cover with black paint .

Dutch regained control Gombong through military aggression in July 1947 . Subsequently the Dutch created a line of demarcation or boundary lines known as the line of demarcation Van Mook as the Dutch - Indonesian jurisdiction . The Complex of Fort Van Der Wijck serve as headquarters for the front-line defense against the forces of Indonesia which is located in the east of the Kemit river.

After the Dutch left Indonesia , the castle complex used by the Army . cooperation with the private sector as an investor , Fort Van Der Wijck developed as a tourist attraction since 2000. Now Van Der Wijck fort complex has been equipped with various facilities , including kids games, conference hall , and tourist hotel that still retains the original architecture of the building .

In addition to historical tours , Kebumen also has the potential of marine tourism is very vast stretches in the south , among others Menganti Beach , Logending Beach , Beach suwuk , Petanahan Beach , and Beach Karangbolong . Each has its own uniqueness with big waves typical of south coast .