Tundakan Fortress

Tracing the Struggle at Tundakan Fortress: A Symbol of Banjar Resistance in Balangan

Tundakan Fortress is more than just a pile of earth or remnants of ancient defense structures in Balangan Regency, South Kalimantan. It is a silent witness to one of the most heroic fragments in the history of the Banjar War. Located in a strategically advantageous inland area, this site represents the tenacity of the people of South Kalimantan in resisting the hegemony of the Dutch East Indies colonial power in the 19th century.

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Origin and Context of Construction

Tundakan Fortress was established during the crucial period of the Banjar War, around the 1860s. Its construction was triggered by the fall of the main defense centers of the Banjar Sultanate in the downstream areas into Dutch hands. The fighters, led by charismatic figures, realized they needed a defense base in the hilly region, which was difficult for Dutch heavy artillery to reach.

The choice of location in Tundakan, now part of the administrative area of Awayan District, Balangan, was based on traditional military intelligence considerations. This area is surrounded by dense forests and hilly terrain, providing a visual advantage for the fighters to monitor enemy troop movements from afar. The fortress not only served as a physical barricade but also as a coordination center for guerrilla warfare in the Barito region and its surroundings.

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Traditional Defense Architecture and Construction

Unlike European fortresses that used bricks and cement, Tundakan Fortress was built in the distinctive Kalimantan style of defense architecture. Its main structure relied on natural materials available around the site. The primary material used was ulin wood (ironwood), known for its exceptional strength and resistance to extreme weather.

The construction of this fortress employed a "double-layered fence" system. Around the core area, sharpened ulin logs were planted with their tips pointed upwards. The gaps between these wooden posts were filled with earth and stones to absorb the impact of cannonballs. Furthermore, the uniqueness of Tundakan Fortress lies in its use of pitfall traps and camouflaged bamboo mines (sungga) around the entrance paths.

The structures within the fortress included makeshift barracks for the fighters, food supply warehouses, and gunpowder storage areas. Although simple, this design proved highly effective in repelling Dutch infantry attacks, which were often hampered by slippery terrain and dense vegetation.

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Key Figure: The Role of Tumenggung Antaludin

The name Tundakan Fortress cannot be separated from the figure of Tumenggung Antaludin. He was a trusted war commander of Pangeran Antasari, known for his intelligence in jungle warfare tactics. Antaludin made Tundakan his command post for the Balangan and Pitap river basin areas.

Besides Tumenggung Antaludin, prominent figures like Pangeran Antasari himself are rumored to have visited and coordinated missions at this location. The presence of these great leaders made Tundakan a center of political and military gravity for the Banjar people. Here, the spirit of resistance was consolidated, and the oath of loyalty to never submit to the colonizers (Haram Manyurah) was strongly proclaimed.

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Historic Event: The Siege of Tundakan

One of the most dramatic events that occurred at this site was the massive siege by Dutch colonial forces in 1861. The Dutch felt threatened by the presence of Tundakan Fortress because its position cut off their communication lines to the upstream areas.

In Dutch military historical records, the attack on Tundakan is described as a very difficult operation. Colonial troops had to climb hills under a hail of bullets and attacks from traditional weapons such as mandau and poisoned darts. Although the fortress was eventually captured by the Dutch after an unequal battle, the fall of Tundakan did not extinguish the flame of resistance. Tumenggung Antaludin and his troops managed to execute an orderly retreat towards the Meratus Mountains to continue the guerrilla warfare.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

For the local community in Balangan, Tundakan Fortress is more than just an archaeological site. This place holds a strong spiritual dimension. The community believes that the fortress is mystically protected by their ancestors. Often, before engaging in activities around the site, local residents perform rituals of respect to commemorate the fallen heroes.

Culturally, this site serves as a symbol of the identity of the Balangan people as descendants of warriors. The values of courage and self-reliance emanating from the history of this fortress are passed down through generations via folk tales and local arts.

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Preservation Status and Conservation Efforts

Currently, the condition of Tundakan Fortress is indeed no longer intact as it once was. Natural factors, wood decay, and a lack of past conservation interventions have led to the loss of much of its physical structure. However, remnants of foundations, old trenches, and some wooden artifacts can still be found at the site.

The Balangan Regency Government, along with the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (BPCB), has begun to give more attention to this site. Some of the steps taken include:

1. Land Identification: Establishing site boundaries to prevent encroachment on forest land around the fortress.

2. Access Infrastructure Development: Improving the road to the location to make it more convenient for researchers and historical tourists to visit.

3. Public Education: Incorporating the history of Tundakan Fortress into the local curriculum to ensure younger generations know their local heroes.

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Unique Facts and Historical Significance

One unique fact about Tundakan Fortress is its communication system. It is said that the fighters used sounds from traditional musical instruments or the blowing of specific bamboo instruments to send danger signals between guard posts around the fortress. This code system was never deciphered by Dutch spies at the time.

Historically, Tundakan Fortress proves that resistance in South Kalimantan was not only concentrated in major cities but also spread to remote inland areas. The existence of this fortress forced the Dutch to deploy significant military resources and a long period of time just to secure one point in the Balangan region.

In conclusion, Tundakan Fortress is a monument to steadfastness. Although its physical form may have succumbed to age, the narrative of courage of Tumenggung Antaludin and the Banjar people etched into the land of Tundakan remains an inseparable part of the collective memory of the Indonesian nation. Through ongoing preservation efforts, this site is expected to continue standing as a reminder that independence was achieved through extraordinary sacrifice on Kalimantan soil.