Highlighting Damage To The Hila-Kaitetu Site, Menbud Asks For Accelerated Preservation

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon (Photo: dock. Public Relations)

CENTRAL MALUKU Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon reviewed three Historical Sites in Hila-Kaitetu, Central Maluku, and stressed the need to accelerate the preservation of cultural heritage that keeps traces of world civilization on the spice route.

Fadli first visited Fort Amsterdam, a site that recorded the early phase of the arrival of the Portuguese and the Dutch. He said this fort was the center of supervision, settlement and spice trade. "Beteng Amsterdam still stands firmly. The Portuguese first entered here, followed by the Dutch. Rumphius has also lived in this place," said Menbud Fadli, Friday, November 28.

From the fort, the Minister of Culture headed for the Immanuel Church, which is estimated to have been established since 1512. This church entered the historic area of Fort Amsterdam and is currently being rehabilitated by the Ministry of Culture. Ayu, a wall, and the roof are almost finished," said Fadli.

The visit continues at the Wapauwe Old Mosque, the oldest mosque in Maluku which was built in 1414. Fadli assessed that this mosque is strong evidence of the early development of Islam in Maluku with traditional construction without nails. He reviewed the alif pole, including his new replica, and reminded the need for roof maintenance every 10'20 years.

"The architecture is extraordinary and maintained. This mosque is also still actively used," he said.

Also present were Plh. Maluku Regional Secretary Kasrul Selang, Maluku Head of Education and Culture Sarlota Singerin, and Maluku Tourism Head Achmad Jais. Menbud Fadli accompanied by Special Staff Rachmanda Primayuda, Director of History and Summary Agus Mulyana, and Head of BPK Maluku Region XX Dody Wiranto.

Fadli emphasized that the preservation of historical sites in Maluku is important to ensure cultural heritage remains alive and can be passed on to the next generation.