De Verwachting Fort

Colonial Traces at the Edge of Sula: The History and Glory of De Verwachting Fort

De Verwachting Fort stands as a silent witness to European colonial ambitions in the North Maluku region, particularly in the Sula Islands. Strategically located in Sanana, this fort is not merely an ancient pile of coral stone and cement, but a manifestation of the struggle for the spice routes that once ignited the spirit of Western nations to control the Nusantara.

The name "De Verwachting," derived from Dutch, means "The Expectation," reflecting the optimism of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) in securing their economic and political influence in the eastern part of Indonesia.

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Background and Establishment (18th Century)

The establishment of De Verwachting Fort is closely linked to the Dutch spice monopoly policy. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Sula Islands were a strategic region connecting the shipping routes between Ternate, Tidore, and the Ambon and Makassar regions. The VOC felt the need to build a permanent defense post to monitor the movements of local ships and other European competitors.

The construction of this fort began in 1734 under the instructions of the then Dutch Governor-General. The choice of location in Sanana was based on its geographical position, which was protected from large waves yet offered a wide view of the open sea. This construction also aimed to suppress the influence of the Sultanates of Ternate and Tidore, which sometimes had fluctuating relations with the Dutch, and to ensure that the local population remained under colonial administrative control.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, De Verwachting Fort adopts the style of medieval European defense forts adapted to tropical conditions. The primary material used was coral stone, sourced from the coastal areas around Sula, combined with a mixture of lime, sand, and egg whites as a traditional adhesive that has proven to be very strong over time.

The basic shape of the fort is rectangular with four bastions (watchtowers) at each corner. These bastions were designed to house heavy cannons to repel attacks from the sea or land. The walls have a significant thickness, reaching over one meter in some places, to withstand enemy cannonball impacts. Within the fort complex, there were originally various functional buildings such as soldier barracks, spice warehouses, the commander's house, and a prison. One unique characteristic of De Verwachting is its ancient drainage system integrated with the building structure to prevent flooding during the extreme tropical rainy seasons in the Sula Islands.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

De Verwachting Fort played a key role as a colonial administrative center in the Sula Islands. During its heyday, the fort served as a collecting point for commodities such as coconuts, seafood, and wood, before being shipped to major trading centers.

One of the notable historical events was the use of the fort as a defense base during periods of local unrest. The people of Sula are known for their strong spirit of resistance against monopoly practices. The fort was often a target of sieges by local fighters who felt disadvantaged by the Dutch tax and forced labor policies. Furthermore, during World War II, the fort's structure was utilized by Japanese occupation forces as an air defense and communication base due to its strategic location on the coast, before eventually returning to the hands of the Allies and the Indonesian government.

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Related Figures and Periods

Several important figures in Dutch colonial history in Maluku set foot here, including the Governors of Maluku who conducted regular inspections. However, more interesting is the fort's connection to the relationship between the Dutch and the local rulers (Jogugu). The fort served as a place for diplomatic negotiations as well as a symbol of military intimidation towards the traditional leaders in Sula.

During the late colonial period, De Verwachting also functioned as a prison for political prisoners and dissidents deemed dangerous to the stability of the VOC and the Dutch East Indies government. This adds a dark yet heroic dimension to the fort's historical narrative, where many anonymous fighters once languished behind its coral stone walls.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

Currently, De Verwachting Fort has been designated as a national Cultural Heritage Site under the protection of the Cultural Preservation Center Region XXI. The Sula Islands Regency government, along with the central government, has undertaken several restoration efforts to save the building structure from natural damage caused by seawater abrasion and destructive vegetation growth on the stone walls.

Although some interior parts of the fort have been destroyed or lost, the main structure of the outer walls and bastions still stand strong. The area around the fort has now been arranged into a neat public space, making it the main historical tourism icon in Sanana. Conservation efforts continue to focus on cleaning moss and strengthening the foundations so that this site can continue to be enjoyed by future generations as a means of historical education.

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Cultural and Tourism Importance

For the people of the Sula Islands, De Verwachting Fort is not just a relic of the colonizers, but an inseparable part of the region's identity. The existence of this fort has shaped settlement patterns in Sanana, with the city center developing around the outer walls of the fort. Culturally, this site is often the location for various regional cultural festivals, such as the Festival Kalesang Sula, which aims to promote noble heritage while increasing awareness of the importance of preserving historical sites.

Visually, the fort offers a classic aesthetic that contrasts with the modern development around it. The ancient cannons still remaining on the bastions are a major attraction for photographers and history tourists. The presence of this fort provides authentic evidence that the Sula Islands were once an important point in global economic dynamics centuries ago.

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Conclusion

De Verwachting Fort is a monument of resilience and deep collective memory in North Maluku. From its rough coral stone walls to the remnants of its sea-facing bastions, it holds narratives of ambition, resistance, and hope. Through continuous preservation, De Verwachting will continue to stand as a reminder to the Indonesian nation of the long struggle to reclaim sovereignty in these valuable spice islands. Preserving this fort means preserving a piece of the Nusantara's historical puzzle so that it remains intact and can be learned by the nation's descendants.