Bukit Kursi Defense Fort
There are countless traces of history in the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) . For example, in Lingga , Karimun , Batam , Anambas , Natuna , Bintan and even Tanjungpinang Regencies .
Like Tanjungpinang City, one of them. In the capital of Riau Islands Province, there is Bukit Kursi Fort. This fort is located on Penyengat Island.
Based on the Decree of the Mayor of Tanjungpinang Number 229 of 2017, Bukit Kursi Fort is included in the category of Cultural Heritage Structure.
According to various sources, this fort previously functioned as a means of defense. The existence of Bukit Kursi Fort cannot be separated from the transfer of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate from Daik Lingga to Penyengat Island.
In the 18th century, Raja Haji built a fort on Penyengat Island, the fort is precisely on Bukit Kursi. There were several cannons placed there as a base for defending Bintan Island from Dutch colonial rule.
Judging from the archaeological description, Bukit Kursi Fort is a defensive fort that has a 9-square plan, which is made of bauxite stone masonry.
Bukit Kursi Fort measures around 92.38 m x 74.73 m (6903.55 m²), the area of this fort is very large so it can accommodate quite a large number of troops.
This fort is surrounded by a moat about 3 m deep. Inside it functions as a war machine, Bukit Kursi Fort is equipped with 8 cannons.
Of the 8 cannons placed, 6 point towards the sea. This shows that the biggest potential threat comes from that direction.
The large number of cannons placed is also the most important strength for the fort in carrying out its function as a war and defense machine.
The main door of Bukit Kursi Fort is on the south side with a bridge as access to the fort.
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