Originally a Dutch colonial fort, Vredeburg has been converted from a military site into the Museum of the Struggle for Independence.

The fort was built in 1787 and completely rebuilt following the earthquake of 1867. The name translates as ‘Fortress of Peace’, which refers to the peaceful coexistence of Dutch colonial rule with the local sultan.

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Museum of the Struggle for Independence

Since 1992, the fort has been home to a beautifully designed museum dedicated to the struggle for independence, in which the city of Yogyakarta played a very significant role.

The museum focuses primarily on events between 1920 and 1949, during the formation of an independent Indonesia.

Spread across several buildings, these events are depicted through dozens of very well-crafted dioramas.

So if you’re interested in colonial and post-colonial history, don’t miss this place. What’s more, the Vredeburg Museum is a very pleasant place to stop off on a hot day, as you can cool off nicely in the air-conditioned rooms.

A visit to the museum will take around 45–60 minutes.

In the corner of the outdoor grounds, near Bank Indonesia, stands the Independence Monument, which is clearly visible from the pavement.

Admission and opening hours

It is open every day.

• Monday to Thursday – 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
• Friday to Sunday – 8.00 am to 10.00 pm

Foreign visitors pay 30 000 idr for an adult ticket, whilst locals pay10 000 idr. 

Official website:vredeburg.id.

How to get there

Benteng Vredeburg is situated near the Keraton, at the end of MalioboroStreet, right in the city centre.

The nearest bus stops are as follows:

• Malioboro 3, right in front of the entrance
  • Route 1A (circular) – towards Gembira Loka Zoo, Adisutjipto Terminal and Prambanan, and from the direction of the Tugu Monument
  • Route 2A (circular) – towards Kotagedeand from the direction ofthe Tugu Monument and Jombor Terminal
  • Route 3A (circular) – towards Tamansari, Giwangan Terminal and from Condogcatur Terminal
  • Lines 6A + 6B (circular) – south-western outskirts of the city and Gamping P+R
  • Route 8 (circular) – towards Tamansariand from the direction ofthe Tugu Monument, Jombor Terminal
  • Route 10 – Gamping Park-and-Ride
  • Route 13 – western outskirts of the city (no tourist attractions)
  • Route 15 –Tamansariand Palbapang Terminal
• Taman Pintar, approx. 250 metres from the entrance (opposite Bank Indonesia)
  • Route 1B – towardsTugu Monument, Condogcatur Terminal and, from the direction ofGembira Loka Zoo, Adisutjipto Terminal
  • Route 2B – towards Jombor Terminal and from the direction ofKotagede

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