Kuto Besak Fortress

Origins and Construction Period

The construction of Kuto Besak Fortress was initiated by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (1724–1758), but its completion was carried out during the reign of his grandson, Sultan Muhammad Bahauddin (1776–1803). The construction process took approximately 17 years and was inaugurated in 1797. The word "Kuto" in Palembang Malay means city, palace, or fortress, while "Besak" means large.

Before Kuto Besak, the center of government was located in Kuto Lamo (Old Fortress). The decision to build Kuto Besak was driven by the need for a stronger defense system to face the threats of European nations and as a symbol of the sultanate's political independence. The strategic choice of location on the banks of the Musi River allowed for full oversight of river traffic, which was the economic and communication lifeline at the time.

Unique Architecture and Construction Details

One of the most astonishing historical facts about Kuto Besak Fortress is its construction materials. Unlike colonial fortresses that used manufactured cement, the people of Palembang at that time used a mixture of lime, egg whites, and honey/molasses as a binder for the bricks. This traditional technology proved to be very strong, capable of withstanding cannon fire and weather for hundreds of years.

The fortress is rectangular in shape, measuring 288.75 meters in length and 183.75 meters in width. Its walls rise to a height of 9.99 meters (the number nine represents luck or the nine tributaries of the Musi/Batanghari rivers) with a thickness of up to 1.99 meters. Each corner features a bastion (baluarti) that served as an observation tower and a place for cannons. These four bastions have unique names: the bastion on the northwest side (rear) is known as "Munggu," while the others served to secure the river and land sides.

The main entrance or grand gate is located on the southeast side, directly facing the Musi River, known as Lawang Kuto. In addition, there are small doors or Lawang Buritan used for the internal mobility of the fortress inhabitants.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Kuto Besak Fortress was a key witness in the Palembang War (1819–1821). During the leadership of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, this fortress became the command center for defense against the invasion of the British and Dutch naval forces. One of the most heroic events was when the Dutch fleet under Admiral Wolterbeek failed to penetrate Palembang's defenses in 1819 due to the robustness of Kuto Besak's structure and the water guerrilla warfare strategy employed by the Sultan.

However, after a long siege and internal betrayal, the fortress finally fell into Dutch hands in 1821. The fall of Kuto Besak marked the end of the sovereignty of the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II was then exiled to Ternate, and the fortress was taken over by the Dutch colonial government as a military headquarters.

Important Figures and Power Relations

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II is the central figure whose name is most closely associated with this fortress. His bravery in making Kuto Besak the last bastion of resistance against colonialism in South Sumatra made him an Indonesian National Hero. Furthermore, the involvement of local architects and indigenous labor in its construction indicates that in the 18th century, the Palembang Sultanate possessed very advanced civil engineering knowledge without the intervention of Western engineers.

During the Dutch occupation, the fortress was used as the residence of the resident and the headquarters of the KNIL army. After Indonesia's independence, ownership and management of the fortress were transferred to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), particularly under the auspices of Kodam II/Sriwijaya.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a Cultural Heritage Building protected by Law No. 11 of 2010, Kuto Besak Fortress continues to undergo preservation efforts. Although the interior of the fortress is still used for military purposes (dr. AK Gani Hospital and TNI official housing), the front courtyard area (Kuto Besak Fortress Plaza) has been revitalized by the Palembang City Government as a public space and a major tourist destination.

Restoration is carried out periodically on the outer walls and bastions to prevent weathering due to high humidity from the Musi River. The main challenge in preservation is maintaining the balance between active military function and public accessibility as a historical educational site.

Cultural and Religious Meaning

For the people of Palembang, Kuto Besak Fortress is the "Paku Alam" (Pillar of the Realm) of the city. Its existence is closely linked to the Islamic identity in South Sumatra. Within the fortress complex, there was originally a sultan's palace with a strong Islamic ambiance, and its proximity to the Great Mosque of Palembang signifies the concept of "Unity of the King and the Clergy." This fortress stands as a symbol of pride that the people of Palembang have a history of intellectual and technologically independent resistance.

Unique Historical Facts

1. Defensive Moat: Previously, a wide moat surrounded the fortress walls, connected to the Musi River, serving as the first line of defense and the city's drainage system.

2. Cosmological Orientation: The construction of the fortress was not arbitrary; it faced the river as the source of life, yet its back faced the land to monitor enemy movements from the interior.

3. Dual Function: Besides being a military base, during the sultanate period, the area within the fortress was the center of government, a place for storing state treasures, and the sultanate's archive center.

Now, as the sun sets on the western horizon of the Musi River, the silhouette of Kuto Besak Fortress stands firm, reminding every generation of its past glory. It is not merely a pile of bricks and lime, but an eternal monument to the dignity and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation in the land of Sriwijaya.