THE LONESOME BATAVIA’S LIGHTHOUSE IN MUARABARU

“…Batavia itself, nothing but a white chalked lighthouse is visible, then a small fortress hidden behind earthen walls and at the end of a small canal…”
Gevers Deynot, Herinneringen Eener Reis Naar Nederlandsch Indie in 1862, 1864.

“At the end of one of these moles, or walls, stands a small white lighthouse, indicating the way of approaching the city, which cannot be fully seen from the anchorage”
Albert S. Bickmore, Travels in the East Indian Archipelago, 1869.




ON MISSION

Lighthouse is a tower or other building with a powerful light at top, erected at the entrance of a port, or at some important point on a coast, to serve as a guide to mariners at night.

Observing the nearly forgotten old lighthouse in Muarabaru, northernmost point of Batavia, now Jakarta, on 13th of January 2010, accompanied by lovely Youfeta Devy.

This lonesome lighthouse was established in the mid of 19th century.

At least two travelers visited the Batavia’s harbor have reported about the lighthouse in 1860s. However, today this lighthouse is no longer in use.



THE LOCATION



The yellow dotted is the position of Batavia's lighthouse

Source:

"Plateground van Batavia"

Nederlandsche Topographischen Dienst - 1901

BATAVIA’S LIGHTHOUSE IN MUARABARU
ARLHS IDO-063; Admiralty K1068.5; NGA 23416

This lonesome lighthouse was established in the mid of 19th century. It had focal plane 17 m (56 ft); red flash every 3 s. 16 m (52 ft). Built in round stone tower and painted white.

Vuurtoren-Batavia, probably end of 19th century.

Printed by "Boekhandel Visser & Co" - Weltevreden

A postcard dated 12 November 1907

The Batavia's lighthouse and buildings of the port - 1880

Source: Tropenmuseum - Amsterdam

Batavia's Lighthouse in 1914

Source: KITLV

Batavia's Lighthouse in 1938

Source: Tropenmuseum - Amsterdam

Batavia's Lighthouse in early of 20th century

Source: Tropenmuseum - Amsterdam

OTHER OLD LIGHTHOUSES SUROUNDING BATAVIA

Pulau Edam: ARLHS IDO-061; Admiralty K1062; NGA 23404
Located at Pulau Edam, the center of the entrance to the bay of Jakarta. Established in 1881. This lighthouse has a focal plane 55 m (180 ft) with four white flashes every 20 s. 50 m (164 ft) and sided cast iron tower with lantern and gallery.

Tanjung Priok Inner Harbor: Admiralty K1073.5; NGA 23428.
Located near the harbor at Tipar, North Jakarta now. Established unknown, but the station established in 1885. It had focal plane 46 m (151 ft), installed the white flash every 10 s. 40 m (131 ft) skeletal tower, painted white.


REMARKS

Sturdy Figures

Photographed by Youfeta Devy

Present day, this lighthouse is located in the area of fish port, not on the top of waterbreaker anymore.

Destruction by neglected is a crime!