PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - If we pass through Jalan Kian Santang, in the center of Garut City, there is a historic building which is now the Office of the Garut Regency Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD).

This building was originally built in 1926 as the Regentschapraad Garoet Building, which was the Garut Regency Council (forerunner to the DPRD) during the Dutch colonial period.

The existence of this building is a silent witness to the political journey in Garut in the past. In 1920, nationalists who were members of struggle organizations such as: PNI (Bung Karno cs), SI (Islamic Union-HOS Cokroaminoto cs), Socialist Party (Sutan Syahrir cs), and others, fought for the formation of a people's representative (volksraad) to the Dutch East Indies government. Garut was one of the regions that responded by forming a Regency Council under the leadership of the RAA Regent. Suriakartalegawa (Regent of Garut V, 1915-1929).

Among the members of the council was the name Abdul Muis (old spelling Abdoel Moeis), a famous Indonesian writer who at that time lived in Garut. Abdoel Moeis is known as the author of the famous novel "Salah Asuhan", which was born from inspiration and his life experiences in Garut.

"I don't think it would be an exaggeration if the figure of the hero Abdul Muis was immortalized as the name of one of the streets in Garut as a form of appreciation for him," said Warjita - a historian and cultural observer.

More than just a historical building, the Regentschapraad Garoet Building is a symbol of change and struggle in Garut. Its historical traces are still well preserved, although its function has been transformed according to the needs of the times. This building is a reminder for future generations of the spirit of struggle of their predecessors in achieving independence and building the nation. (rdp*)