King Santiago's Tomb

Historical Origins and the Figure of Batahi Santiago

King Santiago, whose full name was Batahi Santiago, was the seventh king of the Manganitu Kingdom, ruling between 1670 and 1675. He was born in Manganitu in 1622 and educated at a Jesuit school in Manila, Philippines. His strong educational background provided him with broad insights into diplomacy and military strategy, which he later used to counter the monopolistic trade efforts of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC).

The construction of this tomb is closely linked to the execution of the King by the Dutch colonial government. Santiago refused to sign the Lange Contract (Long Contract) proposed by the VOC. This treaty demanded the surrender of territorial sovereignty, a monopoly on agricultural produce (especially cloves and nutmeg), and strict oversight of the people's shipping activities. Santiago's firmness triggered an open war that lasted for several years, until he was eventually captured through a cunning Dutch ploy and sentenced to be hanged at Tanjung Tahane in late 1675.

Architecture and Construction Details of the Site

Makam Raja Santiago possesses architectural characteristics that blend traditional Sangihe elements with touches of modern monuments from restoration. Physically, the tomb is located in a hilly area offering a strategic view towards the Manganitu coast.

The main structure of the tomb is surrounded by an iron fence and a low concrete wall. The tomb itself is built with neatly arranged natural stones, reflecting ancient local construction techniques. Above the tomb, there is a gravestone bearing his name and reign. One of the most striking architectural elements in the complex is the presence of a statue of King Santiago standing tall in a heroic pose, holding a traditional Sangihe spear and shield called Kalasas.

Reliefs on the walls around the tomb complex depict fragments of the Manganitu people's struggle. The use of ceramic materials on the tomb floor is a result of modern renovation to facilitate pilgrim access, but the essence of the simplicity of royal tombs in the past is maintained through the unchanged position of the gravestone from its original spot.

Historical Significance and Resistance Against the VOC

This site stands as a silent testament to one of the most tenacious resistances in the Eastern Indonesian region. King Santiago is known for his legendary motto in the Sangihe language: "Biar saya mati digantung, saya tidak mau tunduk pada Belanda." (Let me be hanged to death, I will not submit to the Dutch.) This principle made him a central figure in the pre-independence history of North Sulawesi.

The most remembered event is when Santiago refused an offer of pardon from the Dutch on the condition that he would recognize VOC sovereignty. He chose death over seeing his people enslaved. His bravery made him a primary target of Dutch military operations in the Sangihe Islands. The impact of his struggle was so great that after his death, the spirit of resistance among the people did not extinguish but rather became more organized in the inland areas of Sangihe.

Unique Historical Fact: Foreign Diplomacy

A unique and rarely known fact is that King Santiago was one of the local leaders who was able to conduct diplomatic correspondence with Spain to counterbalance Dutch influence. His Manila education allowed him to understand the global political map of the time. This made the Dutch feel extremely threatened, as Santiago was not only a military leader but also an intellectual capable of garnering international support. This tomb is the final resting place for a thinker who transcended his era.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

The North Sulawesi Provincial Government and the Sangihe Islands Regency Government have designated Makam Raja Santiago as a Cultural Heritage Site. Large-scale restoration efforts have been undertaken to strengthen the soil structure around the tomb to prevent erosion, given its location on a plateau.

Every year, the site becomes a focal point during the Sangihe Regency's anniversary celebrations and national holidays. Pilgrimage ceremonies are officially conducted by government officials and adat leaders as a form of respect. Despite undergoing several renovations, the authenticity of the tomb's location is strictly maintained according to the oral historical records of the Manganitu community passed down through generations.

Cultural and Religious Relevance

For the Sangihe people, Makam Raja Santiago is a highly sacred place. Its existence is not merely a historical tourist attraction but a spiritual center symbolizing the integration of faith and patriotism. Santiago was known as a devout Christian, and the moral principles of his religion formed the basis for his struggle to uphold justice.

The Sangihe-Talaud values embedded in this site include Somahe Kai Kehage (Braving the seas with courage), which is reflected in how Santiago faced the storm of colonialism. Visitors to this site are expected to follow certain customary protocols, such as maintaining tranquility and showing respect to ancestors.

Conclusion: A Legacy for the Future

Makam Raja Santiago stands as an eternal reminder that sovereignty is a costly commodity. Through this historical site, the younger generation of the Sangihe Islands and Indonesia in general can learn about integrity and sacrifice. As one of the regional heroes being advocated to become a National Hero of Indonesia, Santiago's figure and his tomb are an inseparable identity from the long history of maritime civilization in the northern Nusantara.

The preservation of Makam Raja Santiago ensures that the narrative of resistance from Indonesia's "Northern Gateway" remains alive, providing an important perspective that the struggle for independence did not only occur on Java Island but also blazed on the outermost islands directly bordering the vast ocean.