Jam Gadang
Jam Gadang (literally "Massive Clock") is a clocktower that serves as the landmark of the city of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It's located at the heart of the city, near the city's main market, Pasar Atas. Having been standing for decades, the clock tower is now a popular tourist attraction in the city. Its plaza usually serves as the center of New Year celebration in Bukittinggi as thousands of visitors come to the city to wait the moment of the changing year.
History
The structure was build in 1926 during the Netherlands colonial era, as a gift from the Queen to city's controleur. It was designed by architects Yazin and Sutan Gigi Ameh. Originally a rooster figure was placed on the apex, but it was changed into a Jinja-like ornament during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. Following Indonesian independence, it was reshaped to its present form resembling traditional Minangkabaun roofs (see Rumah gadang).It is said to have cost 3,000 Guilder. One unique feature of the clock is that it uses the IIII for the number 4 instead of its traditional Roman Number IV.
Clock structure
The clock's diameter is 80 centimeters, the base's dimension is 13 metres in length and 4 metres wide, and it stands 26 metres tall.
Tourism
Given its iconic appearance, the structure is a frequent object of local souvenirs. It is imprinted on apparels, painted, used as a sculpting model, and so forth. As of January 2008 it cost 50000 rupiahs (around US$ 5) to enter the tower.
