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Bengkulu, formerly Bencoolen (Dutch: Benkoelen) is the capital of the Indonesian province of Bengkulu. The city is the second largest city on the west coast of Sumatra Island after Padang. Previously this area was under the influence of the kingdom of Inderapura and the Sultanate of Banten. The city also became the place of exile of Sukarno from 1939 to 1942. It covers an area of 151.72 km2 and had a population of 373,591 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as of mid 2025 was 407,843 (comprising 205,209 males and 202,634 females).

One of the city’s most prominent cultural events is the Tabot Festival, held annually during the Islamic month of Muharram. The centuries-old tradition was introduced by workers and artisans from Madras, British India, who were brought to Bengkulu during the construction of Fort Marlborough under British rule in the late 18th century.

The festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala, an event of great significance in Shia Islam. Over time, Tabot evolved into a unique cultural tradition in Bengkulu that blends religious symbolism with local customs. The celebration features large ceremonial structures known as tabot, accompanied by parades, traditional music, drumming performances, dances, and various community events.

In modern times, Tabot has become one of Bengkulu’s largest annual cultural festivals and an important attraction for domestic tourists.

The Bengkulu region was historically inhabited by various ethnic communities and small local chiefdoms (kedatuan), including settlements in Sungai Serut, Sungai Lemau, Selebar, and surrounding coastal areas. The region was influenced by broader maritime trading networks across western Sumatra and the Indian Ocean. Historical records suggest that the area was connected to the sphere of influence of the Srivijaya during the early medieval period, although direct control over Bengkulu is not well documented.

From around the 15th century, Bengkulu became associated with the Banten Sultanate through trade and political relations. Pepper from the west coast of Sumatra became an important commodity in regional trade networks. During the 17th century, the region was also influenced by the Inderapura Kingdom, a Minangkabau-linked coastal kingdom centered in present-day West Sumatra.

The British East India Company established Bengkulu, known to the British as Bencoolen, in 1685 as a trading center for pepper and other commodities, after losing access to Banten following the expansion of Dutch East India Company influence in the region.

In 1714, the British constructed Fort Marlborough, one of the largest British forts in Southeast Asia. Despite its strategic role, Bencoolen was considered economically difficult due to its remote location, challenging climate, and limited commercial success.

Under the terms of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, the British ceded Bencoolen to the Dutch in exchange for Malacca. Bengkulu subsequently became part of the Dutch East Indies until the Japanese occupation during World War II.

During the 1930s, Sukarno was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch colonial government. During his stay, he met Fatmawati, who later became his wife and Indonesia’s first First Lady.

After Indonesian independence, Bengkulu initially became part of South Sumatra Province before officially becoming the capital of the newly established Bengkulu Province in 1968 under Law No. 9 of 1967. Since then, the city has developed as the administrative, economic, and educational center of the province.

Bengkulu is located on the western coast of the island of Sumatra, facing the Indian Ocean. The city covers an area of approximately 151.72 square kilometres and lies along a coastal plain bordered by the Bukit Barisan mountain range to the east.

The city is situated near the Sunda megathrust, making it vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Due to its location along the western coast of Sumatra, the region is considered one of Indonesia’s areas most vulnerable to seismic activity and potential tsunami hazards.

Bengkulu has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) under the Köppen climate classification, characterized by consistently high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Due to its location along the western coast of Sumatra facing the Indian Ocean, the city experiences abundant precipitation with no distinct dry season.

Average temperatures in Bengkulu remain relatively stable year-round, typically ranging between 23 °C and 31 °C. The city frequently experiences cloudy and humid conditions, especially during periods of intensified monsoon activity over the Indian Ocean.