“Surprisingly, what has been done by K.A.R. Bosscha at the beginning of Bandung city’s construction was very remarkable. Almost all aspects of the future development of Bandung city received help from Bosscha, either physical or moral support. ”

This was revealed by Ridwan Hutagalung, observerof history and also caregiver of Aleut history community at launch the Sahabat Bosscha book (2/22/2014) in Basic Science Center A, ITB, Bandung. This book is written by Sahabat Bosscha community members, a community that has a goal to trace the history of the KAR Bosscha and continue the good values that ​​always embraced Bosscha along his life.

Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha, or KAR Bosscha (1865 -1928) was a philanthropist and administrator of the Malabar Plantation in Bandung, Indonesia, during the reign of the Nederlandsch-Indie. Bosscha’s donations for the city itself can be said to encompass some aspects, ranging from the Eye Hospital in Cicendo, aid foundation for disabled blind and deaf, also contributed to the early development of Bandung Institute of Technology (Faculty of Physics building, inscription / Batutulis in R.1201 ), and the most famous observatory was set up by Bosscha in Lembang. To commemorate his services, an asteroid was named Karel bosscha in 1971.

Eka Budianta, co-founder of Sahabat Bosscha community assess the development of this observatory is the pinnacle of Bosscha’s achievement. “Construction of the observatory is a huge leap in the development of Astronomy in Indonesia, something that had not been imagined by our nation in 1923”. 1923 is the birth of scientific method and science in Indonesia.

In the book review session, Budianta give appreciation to Sahabat Bosscha that despite newly formed, they able to produce the works, although it is recognized that in this book there are still many shortcomings. Lack of information about the life and thought of Bosscha in this country to be the cause. “Of course this book is far from perfect. We cannot find out the quotes or directly ideas of Bosscha in this book. But one thing that we should note is that human values ​​brought Bosscha, his love of people, and many more inspiration that we can bring up from Bosscha. ”

In addition to the launch and book of Sahabat Bosscha, there is also talk show session about Astronomy and Indonesian Astronomer given by ITB Astronomy Research Group Chairman, Prof.. Dr. Suryadi Siregar.

At the end of the event, Gustaff Harriman Iskandar, an artist who is also an alumnus of FSRD ITB, performing unique musical composition. The composition is a combination of Rajah Sunda and sounds are converted from radio frequency that are captured from flare. Gustaff said that the development of astronomy in Indonesia can inspire artists. “It has been nearly one hundred years since his death but Bosscha still can inspires Gustaff in present,” said Eka Budianta. He hoped that, in the future Sahabat Bosscha will grows and increase number of its members, also can produce more works. (DPT & MH)