Kuto Besak Fort Threatened? Ministry Of Culture Demands Cultural Heritage

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture strongly reminds that every development in the Kuto Besak Fort area, Palembang, must follow the principles of preserving cultural heritage. This warning emerged after the plan to add additional facilities to the AK Gani Hospital resurfaced in the fort area.

The Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, emphasized that changes in the function or adaptation of spaces in cultural heritage cannot be carried out without a comprehensive study. He referred to Law Number 11 of 2010 and Government Regulation Number 1 of 2022 which required permits for utilization and adaptation plan documents before construction was carried out.

"Development must not sacrifice historical values and integrity of the Kuto Besak Fort structure. Everything must be based on official studies and permits," said Director General of Restu Gunawan in a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday, December 12.

Kuto Besak fort, which was built in 1797 and designated as Cultural Heritage since 2004, has kept important residences in the Sultanate of Palembang. Therefore, restoration and new development are required to take into account the condition of the foundation, possible archaeological findings, and the preservation of the landscape.

The plan to expand the AK Gani Hospital was rejected by the public in 2022 because the design of the four-story building was considered to have the potential to damage the structure of the fort. The plan was eventually postponed. However, a new discourse on adding hospital areas has resurfaced and sparked similar concerns.

Currently, the Kuto Besak Fort area is still under the management of Kodam II/Sriwijaya. The dynamics of space utilization that continues to develop makes the Ministry of Education and Culture emphasize the importance of cross-sectoral coordination.

Menteng Kuto Besak is the identity of Palembang history. Adaptation is permissible, but it must be very careful and transparent," said Restu.

The Ministry of Culture has asked local governments, regional managers, experts, and the community to ensure that every development plan is carried out responsibly and in accordance with the provisions for protecting cultural heritage.