A DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR THE FORT DE KOCK AREA BY ENHANCING ITS IDENTITY AS A HISTORICAL HERITAGE SITE

Abstract

Fort de Kock is one of the most significant remnants of the colonial period, located in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra Province, precisely on Jirek Hill, in the Benteng Pasar Atas subdistrict, Guguk Panjang district. The fort was constructed in 1830 by the Dutch East Indies colonial government as a military base to defend against local resistance led by Tuanku Imam Bonjol. Its location at an elevation of 958 meters above sea level provided a strategic advantage, allowing for unobstructed surveillance of the surrounding area. Today, the original structure of the fort no longer exists. The current building on the site is a rectangular water reservoir constructed in 1932. The lack of adequate historical information and interpretation has led to public misperceptions about the site. Many visitors mistakenly identify the central water tank as Fort de Kock itself, whereas layout studies indicate that the original fort was a heptagonal area with bastions at each corner, complete with cannons and surrounded by a defensive moat.Preservation and revitalization efforts are essential to restoring public understanding of Fort de Kock’s historical significance. Such efforts also support the conservation of colonial heritage sites with considerable educational and heritage tourism potential.