Pos Vandreng Hilltop, Dutch Colonial History in Bengkayang

Helloindonesia.id – This post was used by the Dutch to spy on Japanese troops who wanted to usurp power from their hands. Founded around 1939 – 1942, this post became the Dutch military center in Bengkayang. This is the Vandreng Hilltop Post located in Serukam Hamlet, Definite Village, Salamantan District, Bengkayang, West Kalimantan.

The Bukit Vandreng Post Scout Building was established by local residents at the behest of the Dutch colonial. The building foreman at the time was Chinese, while construction workers came from people around Vandreng Hill. Every construction worker and builder was paid daily by the Dutch Government who controlled the area. In 2005, the reconnaissance post was restored by the Office of Culture and Tourism by adding access to the stairs from the highway and umbrella cover above the reconnaissance post.

According to Tatang from the Bengkayang Education and Culture Office, at that time many Chinese residents in Bengkayang participated in the struggle against the Dutch invaders. “When there was an order to fly the red and blue and blue flags, Bengkayang residents put up a fight. The Pancasila Building in Singkawang was the witness. The action of Bengkayang residents defected, and still raised the red and white. This movement is under the command of Commander Ali Anyang (Dayak youth) who recruited Bengkayang youths against the Dutch colonial invaders and Japanese fascism in 1945-1949, “said Tatang telling a story in the colonial era first.

Position of reconnaissance post on Vandreng hill

In Vandreng Hill, there were 4 reconnaissance posts but the positions were far apart. Each top of the hill there is a reconnaissance post. Of the four reconnaissance posts, only one had the building still visible intact, the rest had been destroyed by the Dutch when they left Bengkayang. The structure of the Pos Vaireng Hill Stove looks unique in several parts. Like a well, for example, it is enough for one person, and the top is covered with thick enough cement. At the front there is a rectangular shaped hole. High reconnaissance post building like a person standing. Among the reconnaissance posts, there are trench buildings that are used as a hideout for soldiers.

Tatang added, Bukit Vandering still had a footpath, a horse-drawn carriage road which was a shortcut that had been used by the Dutch colonialists. “The path makes it easy to get to Singkawang. On this hill, Singkawang was clearly seen. But now it has been covered by towering trees, “said Tatang, who also told me that the winding Bengkayang highway was a Dutch colonial development.
 
Tatang added, the Dutch population did not disturb the Bengkayang community too much. In contrast, the Japanese army did a lot of oppression, asking for pets such as pigs and others. “The Netherlands is building more road facilities and facilities such as the port which is now the headquarters of the 646 Bengkayang Infantry Battalion,” he said.
 
Currently, according to Tatang, Bengkayang Education and Culture Office is trying to register the Bukit Vandreng stake post as one of the cultural heritages in Bengkayang.

Read too