Henri Sinurat

Bandung , the capital of West Java Province, is often nicknamed "Paris van Java" or "the Paris of Java." This romantic epithet is not merely an empty label but a title born from a long history, architectural transformation, and a culture that once allowed Bandung to rival the grandeur and lifestyle of Paris, France. So, why does this nickname remain so deeply attached? This article will thoroughly explore its origins, the evidence, and its relevance to this day. Gedung Sate Historical Origins: From Countryside to Metropolis The roots of the "Paris van Java" moniker trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the Dutch East Indies colonial era. The Grand Colonial Plan : Following the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, there were plans to relocate the capital of the Dutch East Indies from Batavia (Jakarta) to a cooler, safer city less prone to disease outbreaks. Bandung, situated approximately 768 meters above sea level, became a prime candidate. Th...