Sawahlunto, located in West Sumatra, is a city steeped in history and culture.
From its rich industrial heritage to its religious landmarks, Sawahlunto has something for everyone.
In this article, we will take a closer look at five must-see tourist destinations in Sawahlunto.
From the Museum Goedang Ransum, which offers an insight into the lives of coal mine workers in the city, to the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage, which showcases the important role that the city played in the world’s industrialization.
1. Museum Goedang Ransoem
Address: Jl. Abdurrahman Hakim, Tanah Lapang, Kec. Lembah Segar, Kota Sawahlunto, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia
Museum Goedang Ransoem is housed in a former complex of buildings that were used as a communal kitchen for coal mine workers and patients at the Sawahlunto Regional General Hospital, which at the time numbered in the thousands.
The main building of the Museum Goedang Ransoem was built in 1918 during the Dutch colonization.
The kitchen was equipped with two large warehouses and could cook 3,900 kilograms of rice per day for the coal mine workers.
The museum is not just a kitchen, it has several buildings with different functions, but they are all a united whole that support each other.
Among these buildings are the main building (the communal kitchen), large warehouses for raw materials and rice, two German-made burning stacks from 1894, a smoke tower, an ice factory, a hospital, the Ombilin coal mine cooperative office, a rice mill, the head of the kitchen’s house, employee housing, a guard post, a hunting house, and the head of the slaughterhouse housing.
2. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
Address: Saringan, Barangin, Sawahlunto, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia
The Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage is a must-see destination for history and industrial enthusiasts.
Built during the globally important period of industrialization from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
This industrial site was developed by the Netherlands East Indies government to extract, process, and transport high-quality coal in a remote region of Sumatra.
The site comprises of a mining area and company town, coal storage facilities at the port of Emmahaven, and a railway network linking the mines to the coastal facilities.
The workforce was made up of local Minangkabau people, supplemented by Javanese and Chinese contract workers, and convict laborers from Dutch-controlled areas.
This industrial site is not only a testament to the efficient deep-bore extraction, processing, transport, and shipment of coal.
But also a unique example of the exchange and fusion between local knowledge and practices and European technology.
3. Sawahlunto Rail and Train Museum
Address: Jl. A. Yani, Pasar, Kec. Lembah Segar, Kota Sawahlunto, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia
The Sawahlunto Station Museum offers a glimpse into the past of the coal mining industry in Sumatra.
Built in 1912 by the Dutch colonial government, this former railway station served as a transportation hub for coal from the Ombilin mines to various areas, including the port of Teluk Bayur.
The museum, located within the station, showcases a variety of artifacts and exhibits, including models, old photographs, and small relics.
One of the highlights of the museum is the E1060 steam locomotive, nicknamed “Mak Itam,” which is on display for visitors to see.
A visit to this small but informative museum is a great way to learn about the history of the Ombilin coal mines and the role of the railway in its transportation.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to West Sumatra: What You Need to Know
4. Gereja Katolik Santa Barbara Sawahlunto
Alamat: Jl. Yos Sudarso No.45, Kec. Lembah Segar, Kota Sawahlunto, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia
The Santa Barbara Catholic Church is a beautiful and historic place of worship located in the city of Sawahlunto, West Sumatra.
The church was established in 1920 during the Dutch colonial era and was originally intended for use by Dutch Catholic worshippers and immigrant populations.
During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, the church was repurposed as a barracks for soldiers.
After the declaration of Indonesian independence, the Santa Barbara Catholic Church was restored to its original function as a place of worship.
The church is located in the heart of Sawahlunto, and its architecture is a classic example of colonial-era design.
The building is both grand and elegant, with intricate details and a timeless aesthetic.
Despite its age, the church has been well-maintained and remains in excellent condition.
Visitors to the Santa Barbara Catholic Church will be struck by its beauty and historical significance, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
5. Lubang Mbah Suro (Bekas Tambang Batubara)
Address: Kelurahan Tanah Lapang, Lembah Segar, Kota Sawahlunto, Sumatra Barat, Indonesia.
The Mbah Soero Coal Mine Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra.
The museum is housed in a former coal storage facility that was once used to store coal mined from the Mbah Soero mine.
The building has a rich history, having served as a meeting place for workers, a meeting place for employees, and housing for coal mine workers at the Mbah Soero mine.
The name of the museum is derived from a fictional character named Mbah Soero.
The 185-meter-long tunnel that the museum is located in was built during the Dutch colonial era in 1898.
The tunnel was used for coal mining activities in Sawahlunto from 1898 to 1932.
However, for the purpose of tourism, the local government has renovated the tunnel to make it a safe and easy-to-reach underground area by building staircases.
This museum offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience as they explore the history of coal mining in the region and learn about the everyday lives of the miners who worked there.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of Sawahlunto and the importance of coal mining in the region.
These five must-see tourist destinations in Sawahlunto offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
From the Museum Goedang Ransum, which offers an insight into the lives of coal mine workers, to the Santa Barbara Catholic Church, which is a beautiful and historic place of worship, Sawahlunto has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a history buff, an industrial enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Sawahlunto is the perfect destination.
So don’t hesitate, plan your trip today and discover all that this amazing city has to offer.
