Ancient Cannon Honisuit

Historical Origins and Period of Establishment

The existence of the Ancient Honisuit Cannon is rooted in the dynamics of British and Dutch colonial power in the Bengkulu region. Although Bengkulu has long been known as a territory of British (EIC) power through the London Treaty of 1824, the Honisuit Cannon is closely linked to 19th-century European weaponry technology, which was later used by the Dutch East Indies government.

Based on historical records and inscriptions found on the cannon's body, this heavy weapon is estimated to have been produced during the golden age of European artillery manufacturing. The cannon was brought to the Manna area, South Bengkulu, as part of a coastal defense system to repel pirate attacks and foreign ships attempting to undermine the monopoly of pepper and forest commodity trade in the southern Bengkulu region. Its placement in a strategic point in Manna indicates how important this area was as a logistics hub and buffer zone for the administrative center at Fort Marlborough.

Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

Technically, the Ancient Honisuit Cannon is a masterpiece of past metallurgy. This cannon has massive dimensions compared to typical field guns. Its barrel length reaches over 3 meters with a muzzle diameter capable of accommodating large iron cannonballs.

The main material is high-quality cast iron that is resistant to saltwater corrosion—an important innovation considering its location near the coast. One of the architectural unique features of the Honisuit Cannon is the presence of ornaments or special symbols on the breech of the cannon. There are engravings of the year and the manufacturer's emblem, referring to a European arms factory. Its barrel structure shows a transition from ancient muzzle-loading cannon technology towards a more modern design efficiency for its time. The original carriage may have been destroyed by age, but the cannon is currently placed on a permanent concrete foundation designed to withstand its immense tonnage.

Historical Significance and Related Events

The Honisuit Cannon is a silent witness to various upheavals in South Bengkulu. One of the most significant events associated with the existence of this cannon is the period of Japanese occupation in Indonesia (1942–1945). Although this cannon dates from an earlier colonial era, Japanese troops utilized the Honisuit Cannon as part of their air and coastal defense system (kaigun) in the Manna area.

For the local community, the Honisuit Cannon is not just a weapon, but a symbol of resistance. There are historical narratives that mention this cannon was used to provide early warnings to village residents when foreign ships approached the river mouth or Manna's coast. Its booming sound, which was said to be heard for tens of kilometers, marked the sovereignty of the South Bengkulu region.

Important Figures and Periods

This site is inseparable from the influence of local figures and colonial officials who served in Residentie Benkoelen. During the Dutch East Indies administration, the relocation and placement of the Honisuit Cannon were overseen by military officials responsible for the security of the west coast. However, in the collective memory of the Manna community, this cannon is often associated with the bravery of local fighters who attempted to seize this sophisticated weaponry from the hands of the colonizers during the independence revolution.

The World War II period became a crucial chapter for Honisuit. When Japanese troops landed in Bengkulu, they repositioned large cannons to strengthen their defense lines against Allied counterattacks. Honisuit remained in its position, witnessing the transition of power from the Dutch to the Japanese, and eventually falling into the hands of Indonesian independence fighters.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the Ancient Honisuit Cannon has been designated as a Cultural Heritage by the South Bengkulu regional government under the auspices of the Cultural Preservation Center. Its location, now in the center of Manna town, makes it easily accessible to tourists and researchers. Periodic restoration efforts are carried out, especially in terms of rust cleaning and repainting with special materials to maintain the integrity of its cast iron metal.

The South Bengkulu Regency government has built a park area around the cannon to provide comfort for visitors. Protective fences have been installed to prevent vandalism, given its invaluable historical significance. Despite being hundreds of years old, the cannon's physical condition is still considered very good and intact, demonstrating the exceptional quality of its manufacturing in its time.

Cultural Urgency and Local Identity

For the people of South Bengkulu, the Honisuit Cannon has transformed from an instrument of destruction into an icon of cultural identity. The name "Honisuit" itself has a phonetic uniqueness that is often associated with foreign military technical terms that were then absorbed into the local vernacular. This site often serves as an educational center for schoolchildren in Bengkulu to learn about the region's struggle history.

Culturally, this cannon is considered the "guardian" of Manna town. Its existence instills pride in local residents that their region once played a strategic role on the maritime defense map of the archipelago. The presence of Honisuit strengthens the narrative that Bengkulu is not just a place of exile (like Bung Karno's place of exile), but also a region that possessed advanced military readiness and technology in its time.

Unique Facts and Conclusion

One rarely known unique fact is that the Honisuit Cannon is one of the few cannons in Sumatra that has a twin elsewhere, yet Honisuit remains the largest in its region. Its weight, reaching tons, makes it almost impossible to move without modern equipment, sparking speculation about the sophisticated logistics techniques of past communities and militaries in placing the cannon in its current position.

With all its grandeur and accompanying history, the Ancient Honisuit Cannon stands firm in South Bengkulu. It is a reminder of a turbulent past, and at the same time, a beacon of hope for the preservation of the nation's history in the future. Visiting this site means walking through time, feeling the vibrations of gunpowder and the roar of the Indian Ocean waves that once dared to challenge the might of the Honisuit.