| Jam Gadang | |
|---|---|
Jam Gadang in May 2011 |
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| Location | Bukit Tinggi |
| Height | 26 metres (85 ft) |
| Beginning date | 1926 |
| Dedicated to | Bukit Tinggi City Secretary |
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.
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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.
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.
Given its iconic appearance, the structure is a frequent object of local souvenirs. It is printed on apparel, painted, used as a sculpting model, and so forth. As of January 2008, it cost 50,000 rupiahs (around US $5) to enter the tower.
Its plaza usually serves as the centre of New Year celebration in Bukittinggi for thousands of visitors to the city.