Benteng Pendem Ambarawa (Fort Willem 1), still attracts the locals to come

A former capital of Semarang Regency, Ambarawa, is a Sub-district in the regency  which stores many stories during Dutch colonial in Indonesia, famed of its historical tourist destinations, including a hidden "Benteng Pendem" (Fort Willem 1).

Benteng Pendem (Buried Fort) Ambarawa,used to be called Fort Willem 1 located in Ambarawa Sub-district, Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.  It was built during Dutch colonial era in Indonesia in the 18th century served as a military defense point as its region is in the middle among Semarang, Surakarta and Magelang.

As a historical building, "Benteng Pendem", along with Indonesian Railway Museum and Palagan Ambarawa Monument are three attraction spots located in a market town, Ambarawa, that shouldn't be ignored if you are interested in Indonesian struggle for independence.

There is no entry fee to "Benteng Pendem". If you intend to visit the fort, you may enter it from "Batalyon Kavaleri" (Cavalry Battalion) Turangga Ceta, Ambarawa. First, when you arrive at the Battalion, you have to stop your vehicle and ask a permision to the guard.



"Benteng Pendem" (Fort Willem 1) is within the complex of "Lapas Ambarawa" (Ambarawa Prison) and a part of the second floor is still used by the prison officers with their families, although the buildings actually are not decent to be used as dwelling places.
However, the miserable buildings still look sturdy and attract many locals who want to get unique photos or selfies, even for pre-wedding photo shoots for some couples who tend to choose a classic location.