Clock Tower Photos of the World

Jam Gadang (literally "Massive Clock") is a clocktower and major landmark of the city of Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located in the centre of the city, near the main market, Pasar Atas, and is a tourist attraction.

History

The structure was built in 1926 during the Dutch 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.

Clock structure

Each clock face has a diameter of 80 centimeters. Its base is 13 metres long and 4 metres wide, and it stands 26 metres tall.

One unique feature of the clock is that it uses "IIII" for the number 4 instead of the traditional Roman number "IV". Based on a local story, the figure four made of four vertical lines represents the four persons who died while constructing the building.

The laying of the Jam Gadang cornerstone was done by the 6-year-old son of Rook Maker, the city secretary of Bukittinggi at the time.



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