Benteng Anna (Fort Anne)

Origins and Construction Period

The construction of Benteng Anna began in 1798 by the British trading company, EIC. The name "Anna" itself was taken as a form of tribute to Princess Anne of the British Royal Family at that time. The establishment of this fort was inseparable from Britain's expansionist policy, which aimed to secure a monopoly on pepper trade in the northern Bengkulu region, after previously concentrating their forces at Fort Marlborough in Bengkulu City.

In the late 18th century, Mukomuko was a strategic area due to its abundant natural resources, especially black pepper, which was a golden commodity at that time. The British realized that without a strong military base, their trade routes would be vulnerable to disruptions from other European competitors, particularly the Dutch (VOC), as well as potential resistance from local rulers. Therefore, Fort Anne was established as a defense post and an administrative center to control the flow of commodities from the interior to the port.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Benteng Anna adopted the style of classic European defense forts, adapted to the tropical conditions of Sumatra. The original structure was designed in a rectangular shape, equipped with bastions or corners at each angle to house heavy cannons. Its location on the banks of the Selagan River and very close to the coastline of the Indian Ocean provided a strategic advantage: the fort could monitor the movement of ships entering the river mouth while also overseeing activities on the open sea.

The main material used in the construction of this fort was red brick, bonded with a mixture of lime, sand, and egg whites—a typical colonial-era construction technique that proved to be very sturdy. The walls were made thick enough to withstand cannon fire. Within the fort complex, there were once soldier barracks, an armory, and a warehouse for storing pepper before it was shipped to Britain or India. Another uniqueness of Fort Anne was the presence of a drainage system and wells within the fort, ensuring the availability of clean water for British soldiers during sieges.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Benteng Anna was not merely a defense building; it was the center of political gravity in Mukomuko. During the British occupation (1685–1824) of Bengkulu, this fort served as the office of the British resident, overseeing the northern region. One of the important events recorded was the interaction between EIC officials and the Sultanate of Muko-Muko. The British had to engage in complex diplomacy with local rulers to ensure a smooth supply of pepper.

In 1824, through the Treaty of London (Anglo-Dutch Treaty), Britain officially handed over all its territories in Sumatra, including Benteng Anna, to the Dutch in exchange for control over Malacca and Singapore. From then on, control of Fort Anne shifted to the hands of the Dutch East Indies colonial government. However, under Dutch administration, the fort's function gradually shifted from a combat post to a civilian administrative center before it was eventually abandoned due to changes in trade patterns and warfare.

Associated Figures and Colonial Legacy

Great names in British colonial history in Bengkulu, such as Joseph Collett and Thomas Stamford Raffles, had administrative connections to posts in the north, including Fort Anne. Although Raffles is better known for Fort Marlborough, the policies he enacted regarding the abolition of forced pepper cultivation directly impacted economic activities around Benteng Anna.

Furthermore, the existence of this fort is also related to the local history of the Mukomuko people. There were often tensions between British monopoly policies and local customs. This created a unique dynamic where the fort became a symbol of oppression as well as a symbol of modernity (in terms of building technology and administrative systems) for the local population at that time.

Preservation and Restoration Conditions

Currently, the condition of Benteng Anna is very different from its glory in the 18th century. Natural factors pose the biggest challenge; coastal abrasion and the overflow of the Selagan River have eroded most of the fort's main structure. Much of the building has collapsed or is buried under soil, leaving some sections of walls, foundations, and red brick debris still visible and sturdy on the surface.

The Mukomuko Regency Government and the Cultural Preservation Center have made various efforts to secure this site. Although a complete physical restoration of the building has not yet been carried out, the Benteng Anna area has now been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site. Land clearing and fencing efforts are undertaken to prevent further damage from human activities. At this location, visitors can still see several old cannons left by the British, which are authentic evidence of past military power.

Cultural Meaning and Educational Value

For the people of Mukomuko, Benteng Anna is an inseparable part of their historical identity. This site is often a destination for historical and educational tourism for students to understand their region's past. The existence of this fort emphasizes that Mukomuko was once an important point in international maritime trade routes.

Culturally, this fort also holds narratives of local resilience. Although the British built a magnificent fort, history records that local cultural influence remained strong, and the fort was never truly able to completely subdue customary sovereignty. Folk tales about the British occupation are still often told by traditional elders in Mukomuko, providing an oral dimension to the existing physical evidence.

Conclusion

Benteng Anna (Fort Anne) is a hidden historical gem on the northern coast of Bengkulu. As a monument from the era of European imperial competition in Southeast Asia, it offers a deep perspective on how the pepper trade shaped the architecture, politics, and society of Sumatra. Although most of its structure has now merged with nature, the remnants of its red walls still stand as a reminder of a time when Mukomuko was a key player on the world trade stage. The preservation of Benteng Anna is not just about maintaining piles of bricks, but about safeguarding the nation's collective memory of its long journey towards sovereignty.