BPK Region XX Tracks The Old Structure Of Durrstade Fort In Saparua, Central Maluku

Archaeological excavations rescue information on the remains of structures in the vicinity of Fort Duursterde in Saparua, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO-BPK Region XX

AMBON - The Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) of the XX region collaborated with researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to conduct excavations or archaeological excavations to save information on the remains of structures around Fort Duursterde in Saparua, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku. The excavation activity aims to re-track the old structure seen in the plans made by FMS (field surveyor during the VOC) in 1700 where some of these structures are now invisible. The head of the Duurstade fort excavation team, Sandy Maulana Yusuf, said the excavation activities were carried out from September 15-23, 2023, as part of the protection of cultural heritage related to the remains of structures around Fort Duursterde. The excavation activities of the team peel the soil layer on three sides, namely the north side, the central part, and the south side. "From the results of our activities, we managed to find structures that were in line with the plan in all parts, both north, south, and center," he said. in Ambon, Antara, Tuesday, September 19. He stated that the findings of the structure, if viewed from the plan, there is a kind of space in the fort where each room has its own function. On the north side was found the room structure of the sergeant and bodyguard, the center of the church and the house led by the VOC, as well as a rice warehouse, while in the south there is a nutmeg and clove warehouse. The team, he said, tried to find traces in the form of old foundations, namely walls with limestone, conditions such as old buildings in general. The foundation's condition has been destroyed but the structure is still strong and quite hard, but no longer standing tall like the foundation in general from limestone material. Sandy added that his party's excavation process had opened the structure and was no longer closed but was shown so that visitors to the Duurstede fort could see. "You also add information boards, so visitors can see the excavation process," he said. The excavation activities carried out by BPK Region XXX in 2023 will be carried out first in the fort of Amsterdam Negeri Hila, the second will be carried out between the Kapahaha fort in Morella Country, or the Duurstode Saparua fort.