BAUBAU - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Wolio Fort was not a Dutch or Portuguese legacy. The fort, which was built in the 16th century, was built by the Buton people themselves as a center of government as well as the defense of the Buton Sultanate.
Fadli conveyed this when reviewing the Benteng Wolio National Cultural Heritage Area in Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi, Sunday, July 12, 2026.
"This fortress was not made by the Dutch or the Portuguese, but by the Buton people during the Buton Sultanate. This is a very valuable cultural heritage and a witness to the history of the nation," said Fadli.
This statement places Wolio Fort as proof of the ability of the people of Nusantara to build a defense system independently. The fort was made from limestone and coral, long before colonial power controlled many areas in Indonesia.
During the visit, Fadli also visited the tomb complex of the sultans within the fortress area. One of them is the tomb of Sultan Murhum, the sixth king of Buton who later became the first sultan of the Buton Sultanate.
According to Fadli, the fortresses and tombs of the sultans show the long journey of the history, tradition, and identity of the Buton people. These sites need to continue to be studied, protected, and introduced to the wider community.
He assessed that the preservation of cultural heritage is not enough to stop on building maintenance. The central government, local government, and the community need to encourage development, utilization, and training so that the area remains alive and beneficial.
"We need to work together to advance culture through protection, development, utilization, and training," he said.
Fadli hopes that the Wolio Fortress will be visited by more domestic and foreign tourists. However, the utilization of the area must still maintain the historical and cultural values inherent in it.
Wolio Fort, also known as Keraton Buton Fort, has a length of about 2.75 kilometers. The area is equipped with 12 gates or lawa and 16 defense points.
The fortress stands on a hill overlooking Baubau Bay. In the era of the Buton Sultanate, this area became the center of government as well as a defense fortress for the local community.
During the review, Fadli was accompanied by the Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Andi Sumangerukka, Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan, and regional government officials.
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