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WEST JAVA - INDONESIA
: BRIEF HISTORY The enchanting and beautiful land of Parahiyangan or Sunda stretches from the Sunda Stretches from the Sunda Strait in the west of the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primary mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The Sundanese people of the this region, the Sundanese, are soft-spoken and colorful, with a rich and fasting history. The powerful and ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon have all risen, ruled and fallen in this province and provide fascinating studies for students of the archeology and history. The first reference of Bandung’s history dates back to AD 1488, despite the facts that several archeological findings have proven that the existence of the city is very old. At 18th century the Europeans firstly came over this region, and by the end of this century they had built a road connecting the city to Jakarta, Bogor, and Cianjur cities. Next, by 1880 the first rail line connecting Jakarta and Bandung was constructed. Fantastic enhance came from tea, quinine, and coffee plantations around city’s highlands. In 1906, Bandung legalized as a municipality and began to expand. During the colonials period, Bandung people known as brave heroes, and have played important role in freedom movement. After the end of Second World War, the colonial powers were returning to claim their earlier colony. In 1946, the residents of Bandung burnt down their town and fled away. A song entitled “Bandung Lautan Api” (Bandung on Fire) was a tribute to commemorate this incident. Nowadays, Bandung has blossomed into a flourishing and prosperous city with its vibrant youth culture. |
