This is the Bandung Lautan Api (Bandung the Sea of Fire) Monument or BLA at Tegalega.
The BLA monument was erected to commemorate a historical event that took place in the city on the evening of March 24, 1946 (60 years ago today) when the inhabitants of the city deliberately burned down the city (read: their own houses and other important buildings) and evacuated it in a heroic act to prevent the city from being recaptured and used by the British and Allied Forces who were helping the Ductch to reclaim its former colony after the Japanese surrender.
The decision to burn down and abandon the city was reached at a deliberation of Majelis Persatuan Perjuangan Priangan (an organization that united all the people's militia fighting for the Indonesian independence in Bandung and its surrounding area) in the morning of 24 Maret 1946, and was announced and executed later on the same day.
Here is an old picture of the situation in Bandung after the event.
12 comments:
Oh wow, what dedication! Did it work? Did they leave Bandung alone?
Wonderful. A modern sculpture. Good work. Best regards.
Very, very interesting Eki.
It sounds like a Gandhi's precept, no ? Civil disobedience and Non violence.
It reminds also the story of the comte Rostopchine, Moscow governor who took the decision to burn the main important buildings at the arrival of the Napoléon's Grande Armée, to force him to get back.
The memorial is very modern and beautiful. I, above all, like the signification.
Understandable in some ways
I agree with Hilda, what dedication! Love the sculpture! I think it would be very difficult to burn your home and leave!!
Wow! What an amazing piece of history. Thanks for sharing it!
great way to commemorate that tragedy. i really like this monument.
looks so gigantic.
Fascinating history - lovely photo!
this is a great shot! very interesting.
Both The Sea of Fire and the history are amazing. I never knew about that at all.
Thanks again, Eki.
I am glad to read this and that your country became independant. I always felt that we didn't belong in Indonesia. I am sorry that my country colonized yours! Truly!!. I hate colonies and occupations. The reason that I never want to go back to Indonesia is the concentration camp and the hatred I always felt. Sorry! The burning of Bandung was great!
That is beautiful. thanks for sharing it with us!
V
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