BENTENG VREDEBURG MUSEUM
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A museum in a historic setting, tracing the history of Yogyakarta from the struggle for independence to the Soekarno era.
The Benteng Vredeburg Museum, erected in 1760, stands out as an emblematic vestige of Dutch colonial times, now transformed into a vibrant symbol of Indonesian independence. It stands opposite Gedung Agung and the Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan's Palace), just off the Malioboro shopping street. The original fortress, built on land donated by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I and renovated in 1767, was renamed the "Fortress of Peace" after its reconstruction following an earthquake in 1867. Used as headquarters by the Japanese army during the Second World War, then by the Indonesian army as a prison for Communist Party suspects, it was converted into a museum in 1992. The space offers an interactive experience with QR codes, presenting models numbered from 1 to 55 and spread across four buildings, illustrating the history of Yogyakarta from the independence struggles with the first guerrilla strategies to the era of Soekarno. English texts can be easily translated via a smartphone app. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, Bahasa videos, historical maps of Java and information on local politics, offering a detailed overview of the quest for independence, cultural and political revolutions, right up to the city's modern development. All in all, it's a must-see for those interested in the region's modern history.
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