Kulisusu Palace Fort

Origins and Historical Periodization

The historical roots of Kulisusu Palace Fort cannot be separated from the existence of the local community before the colonial era. The Kulisusu region, etymologically often associated with the words "Kuli" (Skin) and "Susu" (Milk), refers to local legends. However, historically and administratively, this area was an important part of the Buton Sultanate's territory known as Barata.

The construction of the fort is estimated to have peaked in the 16th to 17th centuries, a period when external threats—from pirates (Bajau), expansion of neighboring kingdoms, to the arrival of Europeans—began to increase. Kulisusu functioned as the outermost defense fort on the northern side of the Buton Sultanate. Its strategic position facing the Banda Sea made it a crucial observation point for monitoring ship movements along the spice trade routes.

Traditional Architecture and Construction Techniques

One of the main unique features of Kulisusu Palace Fort lies in its construction technique, which massively utilizes local materials. Unlike colonial forts that used red bricks or concrete, Kulisusu Palace Fort was built using arrangements of mountain rocks and coral rocks.

The fort walls have varying thicknesses, but on average reach 1 to 2 meters with heights adjusted to the land's topography. The most amazing aspect is the use of egg whites and lime as mortar between the stones, a traditional Nusantara architectural technique that has proven to be very strong against extreme weather and earthquakes for centuries.

Within the fort complex, there is a spatial layout that reflects social hierarchy and religious functions. The palace area is located at the highest or most protected point, surrounded by a second layer of walls. There are also several gates, called Lawa in the local language, each with a specific name and function, for both military access and traditional ceremony access.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Kulisusu Palace Fort played a vital role during the wars against Dutch colonialism. Historical records show Kulisusu as a defense base that was difficult to penetrate due to its effective surveillance system. Kulisusu soldiers were known for their expertise in naval combat and coastal guerrilla warfare.

An important event recorded is the involvement of Kulisusu nobles in supporting the stability of the Buton Sultanate during internal conflicts or pressure from the VOC. The fort served as a refuge for the population during pirate attacks that frequently haunted the waters of Southeast Sulawesi in the past. Furthermore, the fort became a center for consolidating power between traditional leaders (Bonto) and envoys from the Sultanate's center in Bau-Bau.

Important Figures and Governance Structure

Historically, the management of the fort and the Kulisusu region was under the control of a leader titled Lakina Kulisusu. This position was not merely administrative but a spiritual and military leader directly responsible to the Sultan of Buton.

The figures who resided in this palace were nobles with blood ties to the royal lineage of Buton. They implemented a system of governance called Sarano Kulisusu, a traditional institution that regulated laws, land distribution, and religious affairs. The presence of these traditional custodians ensured that the fort's function as a center of civilization remained intact, even though the center of power was far to the south.

Cultural and Religious Standing

Kulisusu Palace Fort not only served a military function but also as a center for the spread of Islam in North Buton. Within or around the fort's environment, there was usually an old mosque that served as a center for worship and religious education. Islam permeated every aspect of Kulisusu community life, reflected in the traditional ceremonies held within the fort complex.

Rituals such as Bacano Kamba (collective prayer for the safety of the land) and the celebration of Islamic holidays were often centered in the palace area. This created a strong emotional bond between the community and the historical site. For the local residents, the fort is a sacred "big house" that must be respected spiritually.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the condition of Kulisusu Palace Fort faces various challenges. Parts of the wall structure have been overgrown with wild vegetation whose roots have the potential to damage the stone arrangements. However, in recent years, the North Buton Regency Government, along with the local Cultural Preservation Center (BPK), has begun to pay more attention.

Restoration efforts are carried out with caution to avoid altering the original form and historical value. Socialization to the surrounding community about the importance of preserving this site as a historical tourism asset and cultural identity is continuously promoted. Although some parts of the fort have collapsed due to age, the remnants of its grandeur are still clearly visible and continue to attract the interest of historical researchers and domestic tourists.

Unique Fact: "Coral Layer" Defense System

A rarely known unique fact is that Kulisusu's defense system did not solely rely on fort walls. The people of Kulisusu in ancient times utilized the sharp coral coastal geography as the first natural defense layer. Enemy ships unfamiliar with the terrain would easily wreck before reaching the shore, while from atop the fort, archers and gunners could easily target their objectives. This combination of man-made architecture and natural landscape made Kulisusu one of the most efficient forts in the Southeast Sulawesi region in its time.

As a grand heritage from the past, Kulisusu Palace Fort is tangible proof that North Buton has strong civilizational roots. Preserving this site is not just about maintaining piles of stones, but about nurturing a nation's collective memory of sovereignty, courage, and maritime glory in the past.