Reisya Aulia Khabiba, Vilza Azzahra, Nafatul Aimah, Lukman Hakim, Reika Fajrio, Abd Rahman Hamid, Agus Mahfudin Setiawan

From History to Architecture: Speelwijk Fort: A Symbol of Dutch Dominance Over Banten

Introduction

From history to architecture: speelwijk fort: a symbol of dutch dominance over banten. Explore Speelwijk Fort, a symbol of Dutch dominance over Banten. Uncover its history, architecture, cultural impact, governance changes, VOC's economic role, and tourism.

Abstract

This article examines the historical establishment of Fort Speelwijk as a symbol of Dutch and Banten Sultanate relations. The study aims to explore cultural acculturation and shifts in governance arising from their interaction. This research uses the historical method, including heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Built in Dutch architectural style by Hendrik Lucaz Cardeel and named after Governor-General Cornelis Janszoon Speelman, the fort functioned as the VOC's representative office in Banten. The findings reveal cultural acculturation in construction techniques, including brick and coral stone reinforced with lime, reflecting the local concept of “Gawe Kuta Baluwarti Bata Kalawan Kawis.” Economically, the VOC’s tax imposition led to rising commodity prices, burdening locals and weakening the Sultanate’s economic sovereignty. Additionally, the study explores local myths surrounding the fort, such as the story of Catharina Maria Van Doorn. After its 1994 restoration, Fort Speelwijk emerged as a prominent historical and educational tourism site.

Review

This article, "From History to Architecture: Speelwijk Fort: A Symbol of Dutch Dominance Over Banten," presents a compelling historical analysis of Fort Speelwijk as a critical marker in the relationship between the Dutch VOC and the Banten Sultanate. Employing a rigorous historical methodology, including heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, the research effectively outlines the fort's establishment and its symbolic significance. The abstract indicates a comprehensive study that spans architectural, cultural, economic, and even mythological dimensions, promising a nuanced understanding of colonial encounters and their enduring legacies. The study yields several important findings that enrich our understanding of this historical period. It effectively demonstrates cultural acculturation through the fort's construction, blending Dutch architectural styles with local techniques and materials, notably reflecting the concept of "Gawe Kuta Baluwarti Bata Kalawan Kawis." Furthermore, the article thoroughly investigates the economic impact of the VOC's presence, detailing how tax impositions led to inflation and subsequently weakened the Sultanate's economic sovereignty, burdening the local population. The inclusion of local myths, such as the story of Catharina Maria Van Doorn, adds a valuable layer of cultural context and local perspective to the historical narrative. Overall, this research offers a significant contribution to the fields of colonial history, architectural heritage, and cultural studies. By meticulously examining Fort Speelwijk's past, from its strategic function as a VOC representative office to its post-restoration role as an educational tourism site, the article highlights the complex interplay of power, culture, and economy. It provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of Dutch dominance and the local responses, making it a relevant and informative piece for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Southeast Asian colonial history and its ongoing societal implications.

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