Damaged historical sites in Medan deplored

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan | Wed, 04/07/2010 10:10 AM

Foreign historians have expressed concern over what they say is “out-of-control deterioration” of historical sites in North Sumatra.

Two historians from Singapore and The Netherlands were presented as keynote speakers during a national seminar in Medan on Monday, named “Safe Historical Heritage from Destruction” at the auditorium of the State University of Medan.

E.E. McKinnon, a historian from Singapore, said the damage of heritage sites in North Sumatra, especially in Medan, had been alarming.

He said if the local administration office did not make a serious effort to restore the city, it would be poised to lose historical sites and buildings.

He pointed out the need for the government and other parties to direct their attention to the importance of heritage.

McKinnon mentioned several historical sites that might be ruined including Benteng Putri Hijau (Green Princess Fort) in Namorambe, Benteng Kota Jawa (Java Urban Fort) at Tanjung Sakti, both in Deli Serdang regency, and Bukit Kerang at Hinai, Langkat regency.

He said many were destroyed to make way for new constructions. He also said another regulation must be added to the current law to protect historical sites.

McKinnon observed the current law was not enough to salvage historical sites in North Sumatra and saw the need to redraft another for effective enforcement.

Fellow historian from The Netherlands Dirk A. Buiskool emphasized the economic value in maintaining heritage areas, saying that the local government should look after historical buildings given their additional value to regional revenue.

He presented a paper titled the “Awareness About Medan’s Historical Heritage”.

Meanwhile, regarding the province, unique for its abundance of historical sites, Ichwan Azhari, an expert with the Historical and Social Science Studies Center, said nearly half the number of historical sites in North Sumatra, built during the period between the 7th and 14th centuries, had been spoilt.

He mentioned a few including Benteng Putri Hijau, Kota Cina, Kota Rentang, Pulau Kampai, Barus, Portibi, Bukit kerang, Tomok and Laut Tadur.

“The historical sites refers to the province in the past,” he said.

“Robust development today, however, should not impact on their existence.”