In Indonesia, the celebration of city anniversaries (HUT) is a routine event organized by the government, often coupled with vibrant tourism and cultural festivities, including various attractions and competitions. However, determining the anniversary dates of cities in Indonesia is not as straightforward as it might seem. The definition of a city itself is not entirely settled, especially when referring to historical contexts.
English distinguishes between “city” and “town,” while Dutch differentiates between “stad” (city) and “stadje” (town), highlighting a separation between small towns and medium or large towns. The Indonesian term “kota” often blurs this distinction. This complexity is further compounded when discussing the “history of a city.” Is the present-day city, with its claimed birthday, truly a city by modern standards?
To understand the reasons behind the designation of city anniversaries, it is essential to examine the historical foundations of several cities. Palembang, considered the oldest city in Indonesia, celebrates its anniversary on June 17, 688. This date is based on the Kedukan Bukit Inscription, which records the establishment of a settlement (wanua) interpreted as a city on June 16, 688 AD, in the Palembang region. However, a missing part of the inscription has led to debates about the accuracy of this date.
Similarly, Tanjung Pinang in the Riau Islands Province celebrates its anniversary on January 6, 1784, commemorating the successful resistance of the local population against Dutch forces. This event, recorded by Elisa Netscher, marked a significant moment in Tanjung Pinang’s history as a bustling port frequented by various ethnic groups and foreign traders before the Dutch imposed their monopoly.
Padang City’s anniversary, on the other hand, is linked to the local population’s resistance against the Dutch VOC, with a significant battle occurring on August 7, 1669. Despite not being extensively documented by Dutch writers, this event highlights Padang’s role as a major trading hub even before the VOC’s arrival.
The case of Makassar demonstrates that revising city anniversaries is not uncommon. Originally celebrated on April 1 to commemorate the establishment of stadgemeente Makassar (autonomous city government) in 1906, Makassar changed its anniversary to November 9 to commemorate the spread of Islam in the region in 1605.
These examples illustrate the diverse reasons behind the designation of city anniversaries in Indonesia. While some cities look to distant historical events to mark their beginnings, others choose dates that symbolize significant local or regional achievements. The fluidity of these anniversary dates reflects the complexity of defining a city and its historical roots, adding depth to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
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