Indramayu – aswinnews.com – The legendary Randu tree, estimated to be around 400 years old, known as “Randu Gede,” located in the heart of Indramayu city, fell on Saturday night (January 4, 2025) at approximately 11:30 PM.
According to a local resident who witnessed the incident and spoke to aswinnews.com on Sunday morning (January 5, 2025) at 7:45 AM:
“Around 11:30 PM on Saturday night (January 4), I heard a cracking sound, followed by a loud crash. When I stepped outside, only 50 meters from the site, I saw the Randu tree had fallen,” the resident said.
The resident immediately contacted local authorities to report the incident.
“The Randu Gede suddenly fell on its own at around 11:40 PM,” said Nurkasan, a Satpol PP officer who received the report and secured the site to prevent further issues.
At 11:58 PM, the Indramayu BPBD team arrived at the location.
The tree, situated about 100 meters north of the Indramayu Alun-Alun, fell and blocked the road. This event caused a stir among the locals, sparking widespread discussion.
Historical Significance
According to Tinus Suprapto, a Cultural Official from the Indramayu Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud), Randu Gede holds historical importance. During the Dutch colonial era, it was reportedly used as a site for executing indigenous people by hanging after being sentenced in the Landraad Court, a colonial-era judicial building.
In 2019, Randu Gede also made headlines when a bush fire around it spread to an abandoned warehouse located just north of the tree.
Current Measures
On Sunday morning (January 5, 2025), at 8:00 AM, personnel from the TNI, Polri, BPBD, and PLN secured the area and installed warning signs to control the growing crowd of onlookers.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though minor damage occurred to the front roof of a nearby house.
The fall of Randu Gede marks the end of an era for this cultural and historical landmark, leaving a significant impact on the community and reminding us of the importance of preserving such iconic sites.
Team
