Amsterdam Fortress (Hila)

Colonial Traces on Ambon's North Coast: The Complete History of Amsterdam Fortress (Hila)

Amsterdam Fortress is more than just an ancient pile of coral stone and mortar; it is a silent monument that encapsulates the transition of power, the ambition of the spice trade, and the intersection of cultures in the Maluku Islands. Located in Negeri Hila, Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency (geographically situated on the north coast of Ambon Island, closely bordering the dynamics of West Seram), this fortress stands as one of the oldest and most intact colonial relics in Eastern Indonesia.

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Origins and Period of Establishment

The history of Amsterdam Fortress dates back long before the permanent structure we see today was erected. Initially, this location was a loji (trading office and warehouse) belonging to the Portuguese, built in 1512. At that time, the Portuguese were the European pioneers to set foot in Hila in search of cloves. However, Portuguese dominance began to wane as the Dutch trading company, VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie), started to assert its influence in the archipelago.

In 1637, Governor-General Gerrit Demmer began to strengthen the Dutch position in Hila. The construction of a more robust structure was initiated by Governor-General Gerard Demmer, but its completion and final form were overseen by Governor-General Arnold de Vlaming van Outshoorn between 1642 and 1649. The name "Amsterdam" was given in honor of the Dutch trading hub and as a symbol of the VOC's economic power based there.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Amsterdam Fortress is a classic example of the 17th-century Dutch Blockhuis (blockhouse) design. Unlike larger fortresses such as Victoria Fortress in central Ambon city, Amsterdam was designed as a compact yet very strong independent defensive structure.

The fortress consists of three main floors:

1. Ground Floor: Features a brick floor and was used as soldier barracks, an ammunition storage room, and food logistics.

2. Second Floor: Served as a meeting room for Dutch officers and an administrative office for trade.

3. Third Floor: Was the main defensive area equipped with lookout windows and cannon embrasures.

The construction of this building is unique as it uses local materials combined with European techniques. Its walls are made of coral stone blocks cemented with a mixture of sand, lime, and egg whites as a natural hardener. Its high pyramidal roof initially used sago palm leaves, but was later replaced with baked clay tiles. Surrounding the main building, there is a low perimeter wall with small bastions at the corners to monitor ship movements in the Seram Sea.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Amsterdam Fortress played a crucial role as a control point for the clove trade route on the north coast of Ambon Island and as an access point to Seram Island. Its strategic position allowed the VOC to monitor "black market" practices conducted by local residents with traders from England, Denmark, or Makassar.

One of the most significant historical events associated with this fortress was the Huamual War (1641-1656). Amsterdam Fortress served as the Dutch military operational base to suppress a local rebellion in the Huamual Peninsula (West Seram) led by Kapitan Telukabessy. The conquest of Huamual marked the beginning of the extirpation policy—the destruction of clove trees owned by the people to maintain price stability in the European market—which was directly controlled from defense points like Hila.

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Historical Figure: Georg Eberhard Rumphius

The name Amsterdam Fortress cannot be separated from the figure of Georg Eberhard Rumphius (1627–1702), a renowned German botanist who worked for the VOC. Rumphius once lived in this fortress and conducted in-depth research on the flora and fauna of Maluku.

It was within or around the grounds of Amsterdam Fortress that Rumphius compiled his monumental work, Herbarium Amboinense. Although he lost his sight due to glaucoma in 1670 and lost his wife and children in an earthquake and tsunami that struck Hila in 1674, he continued his work here. Rumphius's presence gave an intellectual dimension to Amsterdam Fortress, transforming its image from a mere war machine to a place of global natural science development.

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Cultural Syncretism and Religious Proximity

The uniqueness of Amsterdam Fortress also lies in its location amidst the religious community of Hila. Near this fortress stand the Old Hila Church (Immanuel) and the Old Wapauwe Mosque. These three buildings are often referred to as symbols of inter-religious harmony in Maluku.

The Wapauwe Mosque itself is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, built in 1414. The physical proximity between the colonial fortress, the church, and the mosque creates a rare cultural landscape, where the remnants of European military power have coexisted with local spiritual centers for centuries.

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Preservation Status and Restoration

After the Dutch left Indonesia, Amsterdam Fortress was abandoned and suffered severe damage due to age and extreme tropical weather. In the early 1900s, the building was even overgrown with bushes and parts of its walls collapsed.

Serious rescue efforts were undertaken by the Department of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in 1991. Comprehensive restoration was carried out by the Center for the Preservation of Ancient Heritage (BP3). This restoration process aimed to preserve the original building materials as much as possible. Currently, Amsterdam Fortress is managed as a cultural heritage site under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Visitors can explore every corner of the fortress and enjoy the open view towards the sea separating Ambon from Seram Island.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One of the unique facts about Amsterdam Fortress is its resilience to natural disasters. Although the Hila region was devastated by a massive tsunami at the end of the 17th century, the main structure of the fortress remained standing strong, proving the excellence of the construction techniques of that era. Furthermore, the ancient drainage system beneath the fortress still functions well to this day, preventing excessive moisture that could damage the coral stone structure.

As a historical site on the border of West Seram, Amsterdam Fortress represents both the golden age and the dark era of the world's spice trade. It is a reminder of the resilience of the local people, the cruelty of monopolies, and the dedication of scientists like Rumphius who brought fame to Maluku on the international science stage. Visiting Amsterdam Fortress is not just a tourist trip, but a journey through time to the heart of Nusantara's history.