Reviewing Graves Bringing Imam Bonjol, Minister Of Culture Affirms The Maintenance Of The Nation's Struggle Reserve

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon made a pilgrimage to the grave of Imam Bonjol in Minahasa. (IST)

MINAHASA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the government's commitment to care for the footsteps of the nation's struggle when reviewing the tomb of Imam Bonjol in Lota Village, Pineleng, Minahasa, Wednesday (26/11/2025). This visit is in the spotlight because it concerns the treatment of one of the important historical sites in Indonesia.

Fadli emphasized that the tomb of the national hero from the Padri War had been designated as a national cultural heritage that must be seriously cared for. We have the obligation to protect the graves of the heroes as a form of respect for those who sacrifice their body and soul for this nation," he said.

Buy Imam Bonjol was arrested by the Dutch in 1837 and exiled to several areas before his death in Minahasa on November 6, 1864. He was buried in Lota, in a complex measuring about 6\times10 meters with the Minangkabau architecture marked by a oval roof. The tombstone is clearly listed that he died while undergoing exile due to resistance to colonialism.

Menbud Fadli also reviewed important points around the complex, including stones facing the Qibla used by Imam Bonjol for prayer and the natural spring where he studied. According to him, this area must be thoroughly maintained so that its historical and spiritual values are maintained.

Present accompanying the Minister of Education and Culture of the Minahasa Regency Government, Head of the North Sulawesi Culture Service Jani Lukas, Special Staff of the Minister of Education and Culture Rahmanda Primayuda, Director of History and Summary Agus Mulyana, and Head of the XVII Region Cultural Preservation Center Sri Sugiharta.

The Ministry of Culture emphasized that the funeral maintenance of Imam Bonjol was part of an effort to maintain the sustainability of national history while ensuring the legacy of the struggle remains relevant to future generations.