Portuguese Fort of Cingkuak Island

Historical Origins and Period of Establishment

The existence of the Cingkuak Island Fort is closely linked to the period of European expansion in the Nusantara archipelago during the 16th and 17th centuries. Chronologically, Portuguese influence did indeed enter the coastal areas of West Sumatra earlier in search of pepper and gold commodities. However, the fort's structure, whose remnants we can witness today, was more predominantly influenced by the arrival of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) from the Netherlands.

In the mid-17th century, specifically around 1662, the VOC began building a power base on Cingkuak Island. The choice of this location was highly strategic due to the island's position, protected by a bay, making it a safe natural harbor for large ships against the strong waves of the Indian Ocean. The island served as a "loji" or warehouse for storing trade goods before they were shipped to Batavia or directly to Europe.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, the Cingkuak Island Fort followed the principles of medieval European military defense, adapted to tropical conditions. The primary materials used in its construction were coral stone, red bricks, and mortar made from a mixture of lime and egg whites as an adhesive. The use of coral stone indicates the utilization of abundant local resources around the island.

The remaining ruins today show thick wall structures with embrasures that were once used to place cannons. The fort was designed to provide 360-degree protection, monitoring the movement of ships entering Painan Bay and threats from the open sea. In addition to the main fort building, foundations of structures believed to be pepper and gold warehouses, as well as small settlements for soldiers and company officials, were also found in the area.

Historical Significance and Important Events

The Cingkuak Island Fort played a vital role in the world trade map of its time. The island once became the largest gold trading center on the west coast of Sumatra. Gold produced from the Minangkabau hinterland, especially from the Salido region, was brought down to the coast and collected on Cingkuak Island before being exported.

One of the most prominent historical events was the island's role in the "Painan Tractaat" in 1663. This treaty was an agreement between local rulers on the west coast of Sumatra and the VOC to expel the influence of the Aceh Sultanate, which then dominated trade in the region. In exchange for military protection and assistance in expelling Aceh, the VOC was granted a monopoly on the pepper and gold trade. Cingkuak Island became the operational center for the implementation of this treaty, making it a silent witness to the transfer of power from local hegemony to colonial dominance.

Associated Figures and Periods

Several prominent figures in Dutch colonial history set foot on or had connections with Cingkuak Island. One of them was Joan Maetsuycker, the Governor-General of the VOC who approved the expansion to the west coast of Sumatra. Furthermore, mining experts from Germany and the Netherlands were often seen here, given the island's close connection to the Salido gold mine—the oldest gold mine in Indonesia managed modernly by the VOC.

In the 18th century, Cingkuak Island's role began to diminish as the Dutch administrative and economic center shifted to Padang. However, the site continued to be used as a military observation post until the British occupation under Thomas Stamford Raffles, before finally being returned to the Dutch through the Treaty of London in 1824.

Preservation and Restoration Status

Currently, the Portuguese Fort of Cingkuak Island has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site under the supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region III West Sumatra. Physically, much of the fort has been destroyed by age and natural factors such as abrasion and the growth of large tree roots. However, periodic archaeological excavations continue to uncover structures still buried underground.

The restoration efforts undertaken so far have been more of a preventive conservation, strengthening the remaining structures without altering their original form. The Pesisir Selatan regional government has also developed the surrounding area to be more tourist-friendly for historical visitors without damaging the integrity of the site. Historical information boards have been installed to educate visitors about the importance of this site in the national historical narrative.

Unique Fact: Tomb of Madame van der Ven

One unique and interesting fact within the site complex is the presence of an ancient tomb with a magnificent tombstone (stela). This tomb is known as the tomb of Madame van der Ven, the wife of a high-ranking Dutch official. The existence of this tomb proves that Cingkuak Island was not just a military post, but a well-established community where colonial officials brought their families. The inscription on the tombstone serves as a primary source for historians to trace the lineage and period of European settlement on the island.

Cultural Meaning and Heritage

For the local community of Pesisir Selatan, the Portuguese Fort of Cingkuak Island is a symbol of resilience and past memories. Although a colonial relic, its existence serves as a reminder of the time when the Painan region became a global focus due to its natural wealth. This site serves as a historical laboratory for students and researchers to understand how past global trade dynamics have shaped the social and political order in West Sumatra today.

With its backdrop of blue seas and its proximity to the center of Painan town, the Portuguese Fort of Cingkuak Island continues to stand as a silent monument bridging the past and the present, inviting every visitor to reflect on the nation's long journey on the world's historical stage.