Minister wants Gunung Kunci Fort to be designated as heritage site

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon has urged that Gunung Kunci Fort and Palasari Fort in Sumedang District, West Java, be designated as national cultural heritage sites to optimize their preservation.Zon noted that the natural forest ecosystem at the sites is well maintained, and the trees and surrounding vegetation, which have been used as memorial plantings, are a positive aspect.

"The trees are rare and remain part of local endemic species. We hope that cultural heritage sites like this can be designated as national cultural heritage," he said in a statement here on Saturday.

He made the remarks during a visit to the Gunung Kunci-Palasari Grand Forest Park in Sumedang, West Java.

During the visit, he emphasized that Gunung Kunci Fort is tangible evidence of Dutch colonial military history. Built in 1917, the fort features a complex and well-preserved structure.

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“It appears to be an integrated fort, serving functions such as monitoring, logistics, and offices. Gunung Kunci Fort and Palasari Fort may be part of a single series built during the First World War,” he said.

Zon described the Palasari Fort as a cultural heritage site rich in historical narratives and value.

"Identification results indicate there are eight forts believed to have been built in the early 20th century," he added.

Zon stressed that historical sites such as Gunung Kunci Fort and Palasari Fort are cultural assets that should benefit the public.

Meanwhile, Sumedang District Head Dony Ahmad Munir expressed support for preserving the two forts as educational and tourism destinations.

The Gunung Kunci-Palasari area is a conservation site and former Dutch military location, containing historical relics from the colonial era.

Pewarta : Farhan, Kenzu
Editor: I Komang Suparta
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