The Ternate History Museum Inaugurated, Minister Of Culture Encourages The Revitalization Of The Fort Oranje Site

TERNATE - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon inaugurated the Ternate History Museum at the Fort Oranje Site complex, Thursday (27/11/2025). This working visit confirms the government's commitment to strengthen the museum as a living, relevant, and able to revive the memory of the history of the archipelago's spice.

In the inauguration, Menbud Fadli emphasized that museums should not be passive. Museums must live, dynamic, and contextual. Historical narratives must be strengthened through films, music, to other platforms," he said. He emphasized that museums must be a space for public interaction and a center for cultural activities that encourage historical literacy.

Fort Oranje itself is an important witness to the arrival of the European people to North Maluku. Built by the Portuguese, captured by Spain, then handed over to the VOC, this fort was rebuilt by Cornelis Matelef De Jonge in 1607 and named Fort Oranje by Francois Witlentt in 1609. In the 17th century, this fort became the center of control of the Governor-General of the VOC in regulating the spice trade that made the archipelago to Europe proud.

The Minister of Culture emphasized that Ternate's historical power must continue to be raised. Ternate is the center of the spice of the archipelago. The narrative must be an education of the current generation," said Fadli.

Also attending were North Maluku Regional Secretary Samsuddin A. Kadir, Ternate City Secretary Rizal Marsaoly, as well as the ranks of the Ministry of Culture: Special Staff of Rachmanda Primayuda, Director of History and Summary Agus Mulyana, and Head of BPK Region XXI Winarto.

The Ministry of Culture stated that North Maluku has a rich historical ecosystem. The government is committed to accelerating cultural advancement through revitalizing historical sites, strengthening museums, and developing cultural economics.