Fort Marlborough in Bengkulu, a silent witness to British history in the archipelago, offers magnificent architecture and beautiful views, a tourist destination full of history.
Fort Marlborough is one of the most iconic historical relics in Indonesia, located in Bengkulu City. This fort was built by the British in the early 18th century and has witnessed various important events in the history of the archipelago.
With its magnificent architecture, beautiful sea views, and strategic location, Fort Marlborough is now one of the must-visit historical Tourist Attractions in Bengkulu. Learn more about the history, location, and attractions of this fort in the following explanation.
History of Fort Marlborough
Fort Marlborough was founded by the East India Company (EIC), a British trading company, between 1713 and 1719.
The construction of this fort was led by Governor Joseph Callet, who replaced Fort York which previously stood near the mouth of the Serut River.
The name of this fort was taken from the name of a great British hero, John Churchill, who had the title of Duke of Marlborough. At that time, this fort was the second strongest British fort in the East after Fort St. George in Madras, India, and was the largest British fort in Southeast Asia.
During its journey, Fort Marlborough experienced various changes of power. In 1824, this fort was handed over to the Dutch through the Treaty of London, before falling into Japanese hands during World War II in 1942.
After Indonesian independence, this fort was used as the headquarters of the Indonesian National Police between 1945 and 1948.
Then, the fort was again controlled by the Dutch in 1949 to 1950. Only after that, Fort Marlborough officially became part of Indonesia and was used as the KODIM office .
In 1977, this fort was handed over to the Department of Education and Culture (Depdikbud) and designated as a cultural heritage.
Since then, Fort Marlborough has undergone various renovations to maintain its authenticity and sustainability. Today, this fort is managed by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture as a historical tourist attraction that attracts the interest of local and foreign tourists.
Location and Access to Fort Marlborough
Marlborough Fort is located on Benteng Street, Kebun Keling Village, Teluk Segara District, Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province.
The location of this fort is very strategic, located on an artificial hill located on the edge of the beach and directly facing the Indian Ocean. With an area of around 44,000 square meters, this fort not only offers historical value, but also stunning views.
To reach Marlborough Fort, tourists can use private vehicles or public transportation from the center of Bengkulu City. The distance is only about 1.4 kilometers from the city center or can be reached in 3 minutes.
If you come from Fatmawati Bengkulu Airport, the distance that needs to be covered is about 14.1 kilometers or about 30 minutes. Tourists can access this fort every day from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB with a very affordable entrance ticket price, which is around IDR 2,500 per person, not including parking tickets.
The Attraction & Uniqueness of Fort Marlborough
As one of the most famous historical tourist attractions in Bengkulu, Marlborough Fort offers a variety of attractions that should not be missed:
1. Silent Witness to the History of the Archipelago
Fort Marlborough is a silent witness to the long history of colonialism in the archipelago. Built during the British colonial period, this fort played an important role in maintaining British power on the west coast of Sumatra, especially in maintaining the monopoly of the pepper trade.
After changing hands to the Dutch and Japanese, this fort holds many interesting historical stories for visitors to learn.
2. Magnificent Colonial Architecture
The main attraction of Fort Marlborough lies in its magnificent colonial architecture. This fort was built using bricks glued together using lime, and was built by workers brought directly from India.
The fort has a rectangular shape with four bastions at each corner. In addition, there is a large main gate, a defensive moat, and thick walls that show the technology and style of the colonial military at that time.
3. Stunning Views of the Indian Ocean
Due to its location on the coast, visitors to Fort Marlborough can enjoy beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.
Visitors can walk around the fort while enjoying the sea breeze and the enchanting beach views. Not far from this fort, there is Panjang Beach which can also be used as a place to relax after exploring the fort.
The Function of Fort Marlborough in the Past
During its heyday, Fort Marlborough had the main function as a defense fortress to protect British power in the west coast of Sumatra from threats from the Dutch and other powers.
The British wanted to maintain Bengkulu as a center for the pepper trade and a base for military operations in the Nusantara region.
After changing hands to the Dutch and Japanese, this fort continued to function as a military post and control center during the colonial period.
Now, after officially becoming the property of Indonesia, Fort Marlborough has been converted into a cultural heritage and historical tourist attraction managed by the government to attract tourists while preserving the nation’s historical heritage.
Fort Marlborough in Bengkulu is not only a historical relic, but also a symbol of the long journey of the archipelago in facing colonialism.
With its magnificent architecture, strategic location on the coast, and rich history, Fort Marlborough is a must-visit destination among the Things to do in Jambi for history and culture lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this fort and feel the atmosphere of the past that is still preserved today.