BANTEN - The Speelwijk Fortress in the city of Serang, Banten, is one of the important traces of colonial history that still remains until now. Standing since the VOC era, this fortress has stored various layers of past stories, ranging from defense functions to destruction events during the colonial period.
Now, this site is not only seen as a historical relic, but also has great potential to be developed as an educational and cultural-based tourism space.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the existence of the Speelwijk Fortress should not be treated as a static artifact, but should be used wisely without neglecting the aspect of preservation.
"The fortress or site must indeed be guarded, but we must also make use of it. So, not only do we guard a dead artifact, but we must also make use of it with the concept of preservation and the concept of protection," said Fadli in Jakarta, Tuesday.
He explained that findings such as the building structure to the VOC-era bullets in the fortress area were historically normal. This is because the Speelwijk Fortress was indeed built during the VOC period and was destroyed by the Dutch in the era of Herman Willem Daendels's rule around 1808 to 1811.
"And indeed it is a Dutch Fort and was established in the VOC era. So, it is very natural if bullets, coins, and others are found," he added.
However, Fadli admitted that until now there has not been a thorough and in-depth excavation in the area. He hopes that in the future there will be collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), universities, and various related institutions to conduct more comprehensive follow-up research.
In addition, he also revealed that he had established communication with the local government to develop the cultural heritage area in Banten into a unity of a historical tourism ecosystem. Some of the sites included in the plan include Keraton Surosowan, Keraton Kaibon, Speelwijk Fortress, and the Old Banten Mosque.
Meanwhile, the latest excavation activities carried out by the Banten Regional Cultural Preservation Office have succeeded in uncovering a number of important findings in the fortress area. This project is a continuation of previous research, with a focus on the interior of the eastern side of the fortress.
Pamong Budaya Banten Cultural Preservation Agency, Adita Nofiandi, explained that the excavation process was carried out according to the layout that had been designed in the research.
"Our target is to strip the land according to the specified layout. So far, the clear findings are the foundation structure of the former building and the floor structure which is still intact," he explained.
This finding is expected to open more information regarding the original function and structure of the Speelwijk Fortress, as well as strengthen efforts to preserve and utilize it as part of a living historical heritage in the community.
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