Welcome to Bengkulu!
Bengkulu, a shining gem on the edge of the Indian Ocean, is known for its scenic tourist destinations. Fort Marlborough, grand and rich with history, stands as a silent witness to British rule from three centuries ago, while the gentle waves of Pantai Panjang (Long Beach) warmly embrace its visitors. Bengkulu also echoes with the legacy of the past, seen in monuments such as Monumen Parr, Bung Karno’s former residence during 1938–1942, and the Jamik Mosque which he personally designed.
History also honors Bengkulu through one of its most prominent daughters—Fatmawati, the national heroine and wife of Indonesia’s first president, Bung Karno. She was the seamstress of the original Indonesian flag, Sang Saka Merah Putih. The Monument of Ibu Fatmawati now stands proudly in central Bengkulu and was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on February 5, 2020.
The beauty of Bengkulu is also reflected in the elegance of its traditional houses. At TMII, the Bengkulu Pavilion invites visitors to step into the lives of the local people through three captivating traditional structures, all raised on sturdy wooden stilts.
One of the houses is a noble residence called Gedang or Depati. This aristocratic building captivates visitors with its larger front and side carvings compared to the commoners’ homes. Its interior features a traditional bridal chamber and various displays representing Bengkulu’s rich cultural heritage.
Next to it stands the traditional house of the common people. Though simpler, it is rich with meaning. Inside, visitors can explore the layout of everyday life in Bengkulu—featuring a front veranda, central living space, master bedroom, and children’s bedroom. As the majority of Bengkulu’s population is Muslim, the house also includes a prayer area.
The third house serves as a venue for cultural and religious ceremonies, such as weddings, baby hair-cutting rituals, and other sacred traditions. This house also showcases traditional musical instruments like the gong, rebab, kerilu, and drums from Rejang Lebong. Among the most unique is the dhol drum, which continues to be played actively today.
Also not to be missed is the statue of Rafflesia arnoldii, one of the largest flowers in the world, with a diameter reaching up to one meter. Despite its unpleasant smell, it remains one of Bengkulu’s most iconic natural wonders, and a replica can be found at the Bengkulu Pavilion.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bengkulu’s legacy reaches beyond Indonesia’s borders. In Singapore, a road named Bencoolen Street serves as a lasting marker of the end of British colonial rule in Indonesia.
