Exploring the History of the Heritage of Fort Belgica Banda Neira

Jurnal Netijen — Banda Volcano is the backdrop for the splendor of Fort Belgica. Located on top of the Tabaleku hills, Fort Belgica was built by the Portuguese and named Fortaleza de São Pedro in the early sixteenth century. Because the Portuguese were the first to anchor their trading ships in the Banda Islands.

Then the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie), aka the Dutch, came to Banda and the fort was rebuilt on 4 September 1611 on the orders of the VOC Governor General Pieter Both. This monumental fort was named Belgica because it was inspired by Belgium, a VOC colony at that time.

The unique thing about the fort, which is 30 meters above sea level, is that when viewed from the outside, the fort has four sides. However, when viewed from a height, this fort has five sides. So, many people say that Fort Belgica is “The Pentagon of Indonesia” because its shape is similar to the US presidential office.

The Banda Islands, which are part of Central Maluku Regency, are silent witnesses to the history of colonial wars between European nations fighting over the spice route. Belgica Fortress functioned as a defense as well as a Dutch military headquarters to ward off attacks from the Bandanese people who opposed the nutmeg trade monopoly. And since 2015, Fort Belgica has been officially registered as a Cultural Heritage.