Komet Windpump ( Indonesian: Kincir Angin Komet) is a former windpump in Banjarbaru, Indonesia. [1] Built in 1972, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. Although dismantled in 2008, the windpump was restored in late 2021 purely as a monument. As it has become a widely recognized symbol for the general public.
The windpump was built in 1972, intended to pump water into storage for what was then a part of Banjar Regency. At the time, this area frequently experienced severe dry seasons. The pump was constructed by a Russian investor who worked on an iron mine project in the region. [2] It was named "Komet", meaning comet, due to its shape. However, the windpump did not work well and was rarely used. [3]
The windpump was among the first landmarks for the newly-established city of Banjarbaru. [3] It quickly became a reference point for locals when telling people about the location of the city. As a result, the windpump become iconic as the city grew despite not functioning properly. [4] The administrative subdistrict where the windpump was located was also given the name "Komet". [5] However, the windpump lost its relevance with age and was scrapped in 2008, on the pretext of being hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles using the road around it. [6] [3] While most of the windpump parts were sold, some were bought by a historically-minded former member of the city legislature, and saved until the restoration in 2021. [4]
In October 2021, the city government announced a plan to restore the windpump, citing its historical significance. [7] [8] The construction of the new windpump cost around 198 million rupiahs and was expected to finish in 2022. [9] [10] However, the construction took less time than expected, finishing on 16 December 2021. [10] The windpump was inaugurated by the mayor of the city, Aditya Mufti Arifin, on 24 December 2021. [11] The restored windpump features a surrounding urban garden as well as LED lighting illuminating the structure. [12] [13] [14] It is intended as a monument only, and does not function as a water pump anymore. [2]
Media related to
Komet Windpump at Wikimedia Commons
Komet Windpump ( Indonesian: Kincir Angin Komet) is a former windpump in Banjarbaru, Indonesia. [1] Built in 1972, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. Although dismantled in 2008, the windpump was restored in late 2021 purely as a monument. As it has become a widely recognized symbol for the general public.
The windpump was built in 1972, intended to pump water into storage for what was then a part of Banjar Regency. At the time, this area frequently experienced severe dry seasons. The pump was constructed by a Russian investor who worked on an iron mine project in the region. [2] It was named "Komet", meaning comet, due to its shape. However, the windpump did not work well and was rarely used. [3]
The windpump was among the first landmarks for the newly-established city of Banjarbaru. [3] It quickly became a reference point for locals when telling people about the location of the city. As a result, the windpump become iconic as the city grew despite not functioning properly. [4] The administrative subdistrict where the windpump was located was also given the name "Komet". [5] However, the windpump lost its relevance with age and was scrapped in 2008, on the pretext of being hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles using the road around it. [6] [3] While most of the windpump parts were sold, some were bought by a historically-minded former member of the city legislature, and saved until the restoration in 2021. [4]
In October 2021, the city government announced a plan to restore the windpump, citing its historical significance. [7] [8] The construction of the new windpump cost around 198 million rupiahs and was expected to finish in 2022. [9] [10] However, the construction took less time than expected, finishing on 16 December 2021. [10] The windpump was inaugurated by the mayor of the city, Aditya Mufti Arifin, on 24 December 2021. [11] The restored windpump features a surrounding urban garden as well as LED lighting illuminating the structure. [12] [13] [14] It is intended as a monument only, and does not function as a water pump anymore. [2]
Media related to
Komet Windpump at Wikimedia Commons