Meriam Of The Former Sultanate Of Buton In Southeast Sulawesi Abandoned At A Number Of Points Secured By Kodim 1413

Commander of Kodim 1413/Buton Lt. Col. Inf. Ketut Janji and Kapitalao Sukanaeo of the Sultanate of Buton, La Ode Arifin (central) in Baubau, Wednesday 10 July. (Between)

JAKARTA - Military District Command or Kodim 1413/Buton in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) secured a number of former Buton Sultanate cannons in several locations that were suspected of being abandoned.

The commander of Kodim 1413/Buton, Lt. Col. Inf Ketut Janji, explained that his party secured the cultural heritage as a form of attention, because it was not in a place properly.

"That's why we secured it. If indeed one day the Sultanate wants to use the goods, we invite them to take them, we just pay attention to these items," said the Dandim in Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, Wednesday, July 10, confiscated by Antara.

The Dandim said the purpose of securing the cannon was to be treated, cleaned, even before, his party had also reported it to the local government.

"Before taking the cannon, we have reported it. Of course we will close and communicate with the government. We also did not immediately do that," he said.

He also said that a number of the secured cannons would not be taken out of the Buton area, his party would only secure it at Makodim.

"So we don't take the item anywhere, it's customary, whatever we really appreciate the custom. If we are going to use the item, of course, we will report it to the Sultanate and local government. If the community does not accept it, we will return it to its place, there is no problem," he said.

Meanwhile, Kapitalao Sukanaeo, the Sultanate of Buton's Indigenous Institute, La Ode Arifin, said that when he heard the information on the inventory of the former Sultanate of Buton, he was shocked and immediately condemned it. However, after his party confirmed to the Kodim Buton that it only accommodated those who were neglected, did not take those that had been installed.

"And to be accommodated here, we are very grateful, and apparently the collection has been approved by the mayor. We from the Sultanate have finished what the Dandim said," he said.

He also admitted that his party agreed that the cannons were secured at the Makodim, because the Buton Sultanate had no place to store them. But in the future, if what is collected is needed, it can be retrieved.

"Earlier, I and him (Dandim) had made an agreement, please, for example we need it for the construction of the sultan's office house and for the Oputa Yi Koo statue, it was agreed earlier," he said.

The total number of cannons that have been transported is three units, each of which was previously Waramosio, Kadolomoko Village, and around Wajo Village. The condition of the three cannons was not maintained and placed just on the ground.