This magnificent building that stands on the north side of the Yogyakarta Palace was built in 1765 by the Dutch Government. The original function of this building is as a defensive fortress, it can be seen from the shape of the building which has watchtowers on all four corners and is surrounded by rotating parties.
The Vredeburg Fort Museum is a cultural heritage building that stands on approximately 2100 m2. Besides that, this museum also has several collections, including:
– Diorama of the struggle of the Indonesian before the Proclamation in 1945 to the New Order era.
– Historical objects, such as photographs and paintings about struggles from the pre-independence era, the war for independence and after independence.
– Dutch heritage buildings which is restored to their original form.
Due to the permission of Sri Sultan HB I, the Dutch government built a building that functioned as a resting fort in 1760 on land belonging to the Yogyakarta Palace. The building was called Rustenburg Fort by the Dutch government. Five years later, in 1765-1788, the fort changed its name to Vredeburg Fort, which means Fortress of Peace.
Historically, since its establishment until now, it has undergone various changes in function, namely in 1760 – 1830 it functioned as a fortress, in 1830-1945 it served as the headquarters of the Dutch and Japanese military, and in 1945 – 1977 it functioned as the Indonesian military headquarters.
The long journey of Vredeburg Fort from the beginning until now has undergone various changes in function:
– 1760 – 1830, functioned as a fortress.
– 1830 – 1945, functioned as the Dutch and Japanese military headquarters.
– 1945 – 1977, served as the Indonesian Military Headquarters.After 1977, the Indonesian Military returned to the government through the Minister of Education and Culture designated as the Center for Information and Cultural Development of the Archipelago on August 9, 1980. Mr. Daoed Yusuf as the Minister of Education and Culture at that time immediately received approval from Sri Sultan HB IX.
Eight years after being functioned as the Center for Information and Cultural Development of the Archipelago, right on April 16, 1985, the function of Vredeburg Fort was converted into a Museum of Struggle and was opened to the public. Then on 23 November 1992 it officially became the Special Museum of National Struggle with the name Yogyakarta Fortress Museum.
Vredeburg Fort Museum
Location: Jend. A. Yani street No 6, Yogyakarta 55224, Indonesia
Time of Visit: Tuesday-Sunday
Entrance ticket: IDR 2,000 for adults and IDR 1,000 for children.
Phone: 0274 – 586 934 I 510 996
