Liya Togo Palace Fort

Traces of Maritime Glory and Spirituality: The History of Liya Togo Palace Fort

Liya Togo Palace Fort is more than just a silent pile of coral rocks atop the hills of Wangi-Wangi Island, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. This site is a monumental artifact that records the traces of the Buton Sultanate's civilization in the coastal region, while also serving as a symbol of the integration between maritime military strength and deep Islamic spiritual values. As one of the largest forts in the Tukang Besi Islands, Liya Togo holds a long narrative of sovereignty, defense strategies, and the social structure of the Wakatobi people in the past.

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Origin and Period of Establishment

Historically, Liya Togo Palace Fort was established during the golden age of the Buton Sultanate, estimated to have begun construction in stages from the 16th century and reaching its perfect form in the 18th century. Its construction was inseparable from the strategic role of the Liya region as the southeastern defense gate of the sultanate. Liya at that time was led by a Meantu'u (local leader) who had special autonomy under the legal umbrella of the Buton Sultanate.

The construction of this fort was triggered by the urgent need to protect the population from pirate threats and the spice trade competition involving European colonial powers (Portuguese and Dutch). Its location at the highest point of Liya Togo Village provided a strategic advantage of unobstructed visibility towards the Banda Sea, allowing guards to detect foreign ships long before they reached the shore.

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Unique Architecture and Construction Details

One of the most admirable aspects of Liya Togo Palace Fort is its construction technique, which maximizes the use of local materials. The fort is built using stacked coral rocks cemented with a mixture of egg whites, lime, and sand. Despite not using modern cement or iron reinforcement, its wall structure remains sturdy after hundreds of years and exposure to extreme coastal weather.

The fort covers an area of approximately 52 hectares, divided into four layers of defense (fort layers one to four). This structure reflects the caste system and social functions of the past. Within the fort complex, there are 12 gates known as Lawa. Each Lawa has a specific name and function, and was guarded by special troops. Additionally, there are Balueri or lookout posts at several strategic corners. Another uniqueness is the presence of megalithic stones around the fort area, indicating that this location was likely a settlement center or sacred place even before the massive influx of Islamic influence.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Liya Togo Palace Fort is not just a passive defense structure. It served as the administrative and legal center for Kadie Liya (subordinate region). One of the crucial historical events was Liya's role in supporting the sovereignty of the Sultan of Buton when facing pressure from the VOC. Liya was known as a loyal region with formidable warriors skilled in sea navigation.

The existence of this fort also marked the transition of power from a local kingdom system to a centralized sultanate. It was here that customary law and Islamic Sharia law were fused into a harmonious social order. The fort stands as a silent witness to how the Wakatobi people maintained their cultural identity amidst the strong currents of maritime trade globalization in the 17th century.

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Important Figures and Power Relations

A prominent name inseparable from the history of Liya Togo is Sangia Liya, often referred to as Imam Falihi. He was a respected figure in spreading Islam and a highly revered spiritual leader. His tomb, located within the fort complex, remains a sacred pilgrimage site to this day.

The relationship between Liya and the center of the Buton Sultanate in Bau-Bau was bridged by nobles holding the titles of Sapati or Kenepulu. These figures ensured that Liya remained an impenetrable eastern defense pillar. The leadership system in Liya Togo was collective-collegial, where major decisions were made through deliberation in a traditional wooden building called Kamali.

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Cult and Religious Dimensions: Masjid Mubarak

At the heart of Liya Togo Palace Fort stands Masjid Mubarak, one of the oldest mosques in Southeast Sulawesi. This mosque served as the spiritual center uniting all elements of society. The mosque's simple yet meaningful architecture—such as the main pillars (tonga-tonga) symbolizing the oneness of God—underscores that this fort was built not only for war but also to safeguard faith.

To this day, religious traditions such as the Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration (Maulid Nabi) and customary rituals after harvest are still performed within the fort complex. The local community believes that this fort has spiritual "guardians," so every visitor is required to maintain etiquette and behavior when entering the area.

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Preservation Status and Restoration

Currently, Liya Togo Palace Fort has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage Site by the Indonesian Government. Preservation efforts are continuously carried out by the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) region XIX. Although some parts of the outer walls have weathered due to natural factors, the main structures such as the gates and the mosque area remain authentic.

The main challenge in preservation is maintaining the balance between the site's function as a historical tourist destination and the livelihood of the community still living within the fort area. Restoration efforts so far have focused on strengthening the wall structures without altering their original form (authenticity), as well as arranging pedestrian paths for tourists to avoid damaging the ancient coral rocks.

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Conclusion and Cultural Heritage

Liya Togo Palace Fort is a manifestation of the architectural intelligence and steadfast principles of the Wakatobi people. It stands as a reminder that in the past, the archipelago possessed a highly organized maritime defense system. For visitors, walking among the coral rock corridors of Liya Togo is a journey through time, feeling the Banda Sea breeze while imagining the roar of cannons and the echoes of prayers from Masjid Mubarak. This site remains the pride of Southeast Sulawesi Province, an eternal heritage of how humans, nature, and faith can unite in a magnificent defense harmony.