Somba Opu Fortress Cut Off 500 Meters, Revitalization Prepared

The Cultural Agency is preparing the revitalization of Somba Opu Fort in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.

GOWA - The Ministry of Culture is preparing the revitalization of the Somba Opu Fortress in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. One of the main works planned is to reconnect the broken part of the fortress along about 500 meters.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon conveyed this when reviewing the cultural heritage area, Sunday, July 12. Revitalization also includes arranging and cleaning the area and maintaining traditional houses.

Somba Opu Fort was built in 1525 during the reign of King Gowa IX, Karaeng Tumapa'risi' Kallonna. The area now houses a museum, cultural park, and traditional houses representing the Bugis, Makassar, Mandar, Toraja, and other cultural groups in South Sulawesi.

"Somba Opu Fort is a very important fort in the history of South Sulawesi. This area has great historical and cultural value so it needs to be maintained, preserved, and utilized for the community," said Fadli.

According to Fadli, the area has the potential to become a cultural activity center again. However, the physical condition and its utilization still need to be improved so that museums, traditional houses, and open spaces can be used to the fullest.

The Ministry of Culture will draw up a roadmap for revitalization as a first step. The government also opens support through the Special Allocation Fund for the cultural sector.

Fadli said the development of Somba Opu Fort requires joint work with the central government, local government, universities, cultural communities, business world, philanthropists, artists, and cultural activists.

"We hope that this area will again become a strong cultural pocket, a place where people can carry out activities, hold festivals, visit museums, and enjoy various cultural activities," he said.

Revitalization is aimed at reviving the function of Somba Opu Fort, not just maintaining the building. The area is targeted to become an education room, an open museum, and a center for South Sulawesi cultural activities.

The review was also attended by the Mayor of Makassar Munafri Arifuddin, Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan, Head of the South Sulawesi Cultural Preservation Agency Sinatriyo Danuhadiningrat, and the regional government.