Sumedang - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized the encouragement for the Gunung Kunci Fortress and the Palasari Fortress in Sumedang Regency to be upgraded to a national cultural heritage. The affirmation was conveyed while reviewing the Tahura Gunung Kunci-Palasari area, Saturday, January 17, with a focus on the function of education and research that has not been optimally developed.
Fadli said that the Fortress of Mount Kunci was an important proof of the history of the Dutch colonial military. Built around 1917, the fortress structure is considered complex and interconnected for monitoring, logistics, and administrative functions. He assessed that the Fortress of Mount Kunci and Palasari were a series of defenses built during the World War I period.
At Palasari Fort, Fadli emphasized the need for in-depth studies. According to him, the initial identification showed that at least eight forts were built in the early 20th century. "Research must answer how these forts were built, used, and their role at that time. The building structure is strong, with rooms that have various functions," said Fadli.
He emphasized that research must be carried out across sectors - involving the Ministry of Culture, the Sumedang Regency Government, communities, and the public - so that the historical narrative is intact and can be presented to the public. The status of a national cultural heritage site, he continued, is also important to maintain the ecosystem of the relatively good area and blend into the forest landscape.
The Regent of Sumedang, Dony Ahmad Munir, expressed full support. The Regency Government, he said, is ready to care for the area and develop it as an educational space and historical tourism for the community.
Tahura Gunung Kunci-Palasari preserves traces of colonial defense, including the Gunung Kunci Fortress which once served as a prison and ammunition warehouse, and the Palasari Fortress as a strategic lookout post. Fadli emphasized that these cultural assets must be "alive" - have a strong narrative, serve an educational function, and still maintain the surrounding ecosystem.
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