Komet Windpump

The windpump was built in 1972, intended to pump water into storage for what was then a part of Banjar Regency. At the time, this area frequently experienced severe dry seasons. The pump was constructed by a Russian investor who worked on an iron mine project in the region.^[2] It was named "Komet", meaning comet, due to its shape. However, the windpump did not work well and was rarely used.^[3]

The windpump was among the first landmarks for the newly-established city of Banjarbaru.^[3] It quickly became a reference point for locals when telling people about the location of the city. As a result, the windpump become iconic as the city grew despite not functioning properly.^[4] The administrative subdistrict where the windpump was located was also given the name "Komet".^[5] However, the windpump lost its relevance with age and was scrapped in 2008, on the pretext of being hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles using the road around it.^[6][3] While most of the windpump parts were sold, some were bought by a historically-minded former member of the city legislature, and saved until the restoration in 2021.^[4]

In October 2021, the city government announced a plan to restore the windpump, citing its historical significance.^[7][8] The construction of the new windpump cost around 198 million rupiahs and was expected to finish in 2022.^[9][10] However, the construction took less time than expected, finishing on 16 December 2021.^[10] The windpump was inaugurated by the mayor of the city, Aditya Mufti Arifin, on 24 December 2021.^[11] The restored windpump features a surrounding urban garden as well as LED lighting illuminating the structure.^[12][13][14] It is intended as a monument only, and does not function as a water pump anymore.^[2]