Fort de Kock, Colonial fort in Bukittinggi, Indonesia
Fort de Kock is a fortification in Guguak Panjang, a settlement in Bukittinggi in Indonesia, built on top of Bukit Jirek hill. Remains of defensive walls, moats, and 19th-century cannons mark the grounds, which offer a wide view over the town below.
Captain Bouer founded the fort in 1825 during Dutch colonial rule to protect five nearby villages against the Padri movement. The installation later changed roles several times and served as a base during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
Local families use the former military grounds for weekend outings and early morning walks through the planted gardens. The Dutch name persists even though the site has become part of daily urban life, with teenagers gathering here in the afternoons for sports.
A walking path from the town center leads up to the grounds, which are now open as a public park with playgrounds and sports areas. The visit works best in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less intense and more locals are out.
The star-shaped layout became the starting point for the development of the modern town and shifted from a military position to an urban core. Japanese tunnels from World War II run beneath the hill, and visitors can explore them on certain days.
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