Makes Fortress

Makes Fortress: Silent Witness to the Glory of the Dirun Kingdom on the Belu Border

Makes Fortress is more than just a silent pile of old coral rocks on a hilltop. This historical site, located in Dirun Village, Lamaknen District, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is a symbol of sovereignty, traditional military prowess, and the center of Bunaq tribal civilization in the past. Standing strong at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, this fortress offers a long narrative of border defense and the social structure of the Timor people.

#

Historiographical Origins and Formation Period

Historically, Makes Fortress was founded during the golden age of the Dirun Kingdom, one of the prominent traditional kingdoms in the Belu region. Although its exact dating is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of written records from the pre-colonial era, the oral traditions (tatar) of the local community mention that this fortress has been in operation long before the massive arrival of the Portuguese and Dutch in Timor Island.

This fortress was built in response to the need for defense against attacks from rival tribes and the threat of foreign expansion. The name "Makes" itself in the local language refers to the aspect of strength or sturdiness. Its location on a hilltop was a brilliant strategic military choice in its time, allowing the warriors of the Dirun Kingdom to monitor enemy movements from all directions, including from the region that is now Timor Leste.

#

Unique Architecture and Construction Details

Unlike colonial-era fortresses that use cement or brick materials, Makes Fortress showcases local wisdom in its defensive architecture. Its main structure is made of coral and natural stone arranged vertically and layered without chemical adhesives. This stone-stacking technique is known to be very strong, utilizing the stone's density and a natural interlocking system.

Makes Fortress has a unique feature of seven layers of defensive walls. Each layer has a specific function, from the outermost line as a lookout to the innermost layer considered the most sacred area. Within the fortress complex, there are mezzanine-like structures and stone seating arranged in a circle, indicating that this place not only served as a military installation but also as a customary court. In the center of the fortress, there is an old banyan tree whose roots have merged with the stone arrangement, adding a magical and ancient aura to the site.

#

Historical Significance and Important Events

Makes Fortress is a silent witness to various upheavals in Timor. One of the most prominent historical events is the fortress's role in resisting territorial annexation attempts by colonial powers. Due to its location on the border line (an imaginary line that later became the boundary between West Timor and Timor Leste), this fortress became a crucial point in territorial negotiations and the last line of defense for the Dirun Kingdom.

This site is also closely related to the transition of power from Portuguese to Dutch influence in the western part of Timor. Makes Fortress often served as a safe hiding place for local fighters due to its terrain, which was difficult for colonial heavy artillery to reach. The seven-layered wall structure proved effective in repelling infantry attacks, making it one of the most impenetrable traditional fortresses in the East Nusa Tenggara region.

#

Important Figures and Customary Governance Structure

The central figure associated with the existence of Makes Fortress is Dasi Manu, a leader or King of Dirun known for his great charisma and spiritual power. Under his leadership, Makes Fortress reached its peak function as a center of governance. In the social structure of the Dirun community, this fortress also served as a place for "Meo" or war knights to perform rituals before heading to battle.

The ancestors of the Bunaq tribe considered this fortress as "Isin" or the body of their collective identity. Each layer of the wall is said to be guarded by specific clan groups, indicating a highly organized division of military tasks based on lineage or tribe.

#

Cultural and Religious Meaning

For the people of Belu, especially the residents of Dirun Village, Makes Fortress is a very sacred site. Within the fortress area, there is "Ksadan," which is a place of worship or a stone altar used to offer sacrifices to the ancestors. To this day, customary rituals are still often performed at this location, especially during harvest thanksgiving ceremonies or requests for village protection.

One unique fact is the presence of ancient graves within the fortress complex. These graves are not just resting places, but symbols that the ancestors continue to guard the fortress even after their passing. The existence of certain customary prohibitions (pemali) when entering the fortress indicates that the religious value of this site is still highly respected by the local community.

#

Preservation Status and Conservation Efforts

Currently, Makes Fortress has been designated as a cultural heritage site by the government. Although it has experienced damage due to weather factors and uncontrolled vegetation growth between the stones, restoration efforts have begun gradually. The Belu Regency Government, along with the NTT Cultural Office, continues to strive to promote this site as a premier historical tourism destination.

The main challenges in preserving Makes Fortress are its remote location and the risk of soil erosion. However, the active involvement of the local community in maintaining the cleanliness and authenticity of the site is key to its sustainability. The development of road access and supporting facilities around Dirun Village continues to be improved so that researchers and tourists can learn about the greatness of this traditional Timorese defensive architecture without damaging its original structure.

#

Conclusion

Makes Fortress is a monument to the resilience of the Belu people that transcends time. From its seven-layered arrangement of coral stones, we can learn about military strategic intelligence, complex social structures, and a deep respect for ancestors. As part of the identity of East Nusa Tenggara, Makes Fortress is not just a relic of the past, but a living heritage that continues to inspire about sovereignty and unity in the borderlands.