Visiting the City of Bukittinggi will certainly not be complete if you have not yet come and tried the sensation of walking up or down this level (janjang, Minang language). Janjang 40 (Ampek Puluah) is the name.

This row of stairs connecting Pasar Atas with Banto Market was built during the Dutch occupation. Although still quite high uphill, but the presence of these steps is enough to help the movement of people who want to shop at the three markets. Administratively, Janjang Ampek Puluah is located in Benteng Pasar Atas, Guguk Panjang District, Bukittinggi.

This level was built in 1908 by Louis Constant Westenenk who at that time served as Assistant Resident of Agam. Much earlier this level compared to the Clock Tower which was founded in 1926.

The reason the Dutch East Indies government built this level was to connect every market in Bukittinggi with levels. As is known, Bukittinggi's uneven and hilly contours and topography make its markets located close to each other separated by altitude.

That is also why, not only Janjang Ampek Puluah is in Bukittinggi. But there are dozens of other levels. Among the levels of Kampung Cino, Janjang Pasa Lereng, Janjang Gudang, Janjang Gantuang and others.

Actually Janjang Ampek Puluah has more than 40 steps which are divided into several sections. The total number of steps from the lowest step on the sidewalk of Jalan Pemuda, to the top of the stairs is 100 steps. However, at the top of the stairs there are smaller and steeper. Number 40 is the number of steps found at the very top and steep.


The top Janjang Ampek Puluah are the most challenging for level users. Because the slope is 45 degrees, with the height of each step 25 cm. I was so steep, many users who are not accustomed to climbing Janjang 40, had to stop for a moment in the middle of the road to gather energy, then continue climbing again.

The Janjang Ampek Puluah shape as a whole is very wide. On either side of the house and shops. This path is not much traversed by pedestrians. In the past many traders who sold on either side of this level. But now it has been banned.

The stairs are dark red, patterned. During the rainy season, caution must be taken through the Level 40, due to high rainfall and the flow of water from the upper market through stairs, causing the stairs to become slippery and this endangers pedestrians. Although on the right side of the stairs there is a railing, for grip when going up and down.

In 2017 the range is undergoing renovation. There is a gate construction in the lower section. Once the gate was only at the top. The gate is built in colonial style. Next to him was an inscription that told a little history about this long bridge.

In addition, the replacement of floor materials, lighting, construction of parks and special lanes for those with special needs such as blind people. (*)