Maluku Landmarks and Monuments

(Maluku / Moluccan Islands, Indonesia)

The various landmarks of Maluku are rather spread around the main islands and include some historical houses, cathedrals, churches, temples, mosques and monuments. There are also a number of Dutch and Portuguese fortresses on the Maluku Islands, showing how seriously the islands have taken their defences over the past centuries.

The Islamic mosques of Maluku are very characterful and extravagant landmarks, and really do warrant closer inspection. However, it is important that you always adhere to the strict dress codes when entering any mosque, dressing conservatively, covering arms and legs, and removing shoes upon entry.

Ebenhaezer Church

Address: Sila, Pulau Nusa Laut, Maluku, Indonesia, ID
The most historical church in the whole of the Maluku Islands, the Ebenhaezer Church dates as far back as 1719. Located on the island of Pulau Nusa and within the charming village of Sila, the Ebenhaezer Church stands close to the Dutch fortress of Benteng Beverwyk.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kota Ambon Cathedrals

Address: Jalan Raya Pattimura, Kota Ambon, Pulau Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia, ID
There are two majestic cathedrals to be found within the town of Kota Ambon, on Pulau Ambon, both of which stand extremely close to each other, on either end of the Jalan Raya Pattimura. The Maranatha Cathedral has become known for its iconic tower, while the Francis Xavier Cathedral features sparkling silver steeples, which glisten in the light if you catch them in the right angle, especially when viewed from the nearby Jalan Sirimau. Built in the 1950s, the Francis Xavier Cathedral has recently enjoyed much restoration and has a mixture of architectural styles, including Renaissance, traditional Indonesian and also local Ambonese.
Open hours: daily - hours vary according to services
Admission: charge

Historic Houses on the Banda Islands

Address: Banda Islands, Maluku, Indonesia, ID
There are some very historical houses situated around the Banda Islands, particularly on the island of Pulau Neira, where they date from the Dutch era and are often managed by old caretakers, keen to share their stories and knowledge of these landmarks. The Rumah Budaya on the Jalan Gereja Tua is home to the main museum in Bandaneira and is quite a grand building. Nearby are a number of 'exile houses' from the 20th century, such as the Syahir's Residence, which also stands on the Jalan Gereja Tua, close to the early 19th-century Captain Cole's Residence. Hatta's House on the Jalan Hatta and Mangunkusumo's Residence on the Jalan Kujali are both also of note to tourists, the latter being close to the Istana Mini building, which dates from the 1820s and was once used as an official residence for the Dutch governors of the Bandas islands.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Forts / Fortresses (Benteng)

Address: Maluku, Indonesia, ID
There are a host of historical fortifications spread around the Maluku waterfronts, clearly indicating how seriously these islands took their defence. Many of these forts date from Dutch / Portuguese colonial times and are still standing in a reasonable state of repair, although some are in ruins. The following fortresses are of particular note to sightseers:

• Benteng Beverwyk - a prominent Dutch fortress on Pulau Nusa Laut, the Benteng Beverwyk resides in the village of Sila and is within easy reach of Pulau Saparua. Built by the Dutch in 1654, this fortress has seen better days and sections lie in ruins, although some parts are in a much more reasonable condition.
• Benteng Concordia - a really rather impressive fort in eastern Banda Besar, shaped as a star and featuring three of its original four bastions still very much intact. The Benteng Concordia fronts Waer village and is quite hard to miss if you are close by.
• Benteng Duurstede - an important landmark on the island of Pulau Saparua, the Duurstede stands in Saparua and was the place of great conflict in 1817, when it was besieged and all of its defenders killed, except for a young Dutch boy. The outer walls have recently been renovated, and there are a number of historic cannons dotted around.
• Benteng Hollandia - built in Lonthoir, on Pulau Banda Bedar, the Fort Hollandia was completed in 1624 and immediately ranked amongst the largest fortresses in the whole of the Indies, dominating the entire hilltop. However, devastation followed in 1743, after a serious earthquake, and the fortress has sadly remained in ruins ever since.
• Benteng Kalamata - located on Pulau Ternate and in the city of Kota Ternate, Fort Kalamata stands on the southerly outskirts, close to Bastiong. Built in the mid-16th century by the Portuguese and subsequently rebuilt by the Dutch some 70 years later, the Kalamata offers superb views of Tidore.
• Benteng Norsa Senora del Rosario - an attractive 1522 Portuguese fort in the village of Kastela, on Pulau Ternate, the ruins of Norsa Senora del Rosario have recently been partially renovated and preserved for future generations. Of interest, look out for the concrete monument nearby, which is topped with a huge sculpture of a clove.
• Benteng Oranye - another fortress landmark on Pulau Ternate and once the official home of local Dutch governors, the Benteng Oranye stands in the heart of Kota Ternate, although is quite hidden and hard to spot. Very little remains of this huge 1607 fortress, bar a few walls and bastions.




• Benteng Santo Pedro i Paulo - once an integral part of Ternate's sea defences, the Benteng Santo Pedro i Paulo played an integral part of the Spanish attack of 1606.
• Benteng Tolukko - a tiny and irregularly shaped fortress, the Benteng Tolukko stands in Kota Ternate and dates back approximately 400 years, being Portuguese in origins. Restored by the Dutch in the early 17th century, the Tolukko was extensively renovated in the 1990s and also goes by the name of the Benteng Hollandia.
• Benteng Victoria - the main Dutch fortress in Kota Ambon, on Pulau Ambon, the Fort Victoria was constructed by the Portuguese in 1775 and actually still remains in use today, being currently occupied by army forces.
• Beteng Belgica - one of the most famous fortress landmarks in the Maluku Islands, the Beteng Belgica was erected at great cost, to replace the poorly located Beteng Nassau close by. The elevated setting was immediately deemed much more suitable and an elaborate five-star structure was adopted, with enormous bastions and defences. However, in 1796, the fortress was seized by the Brits, with relatively little force. In the 1990s, the Belgica enjoyed much restoration work. Be sure to climb to the upper ramparts and marvel at the uninterrupted views.
• Beteng Nassau - constructed in the early part of the 17th century, on existing Portuguese foundations, Fort Nassau can be found on Pulau Neira, in the town of Bandaneira. Maluku locals in Bandaneira were strongly opposed to the building of this fortress and violent hostilities soon unfolded. All of this proved somewhat ironic, because it was soon decided that the fort had been built in a particularly poor and indefensible lowland situation. Today, the Beteng Nassau has become quite overgrown.
• Beteng Revenge - a stylish four-pointed star landmark, the Beteng Revenge was constructed by the British, although captured by the conquering Dutch in 1616, seeking revenge after their humiliation the year before, when they were seriously defeated following their surprise attack.

Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free / charge, depending upon fortress

Mosques (Mesjid / Masjid)

Address: Maluku, Indonesia, ID
The innumerable Islamic mosques on Maluku add much character to the islands and are known locally as 'mesjid' or 'masjid'. These mosques are often landmarks and focal points for the community, especially during major religious events, such as the holy month of Ramadan. The most notable mosques include the following selection:

• Masjid Raya al-Fatah - the large mosque in Kota Ambon, on Pulau Ambon, the Masjid Raya al-Fatah rather dominates the Jalan Sultan Babullah, where it is known for its striking contemporary design and domed UFO-like roof.
• Masjid Sultan (Sultan's Mosque / Mosque of Sultan Ternate) - sitting on the southerly side of the royal palace (Istana Kesultan) of Kota Ternate, on the island of Pulau Ternate, the Sultan's Mosque dates from the early 17th century and is dripping with opulence. The bright-red traditional roof itself is an impressive multi-tiered feature, while the interior woodwork is of an exceptional standard. Each year on the 27th day of Ramadan, the evening 'Laila Tulqadr' celebrations here are nothing short of spectacular, with flaming torches welcoming the arrival of the sultan.
• Mesjid Hatta Syahrir - situated on Pulau Neira, one of the main Banda Islands, this landmark in the port town of Bandaneira stands close to the waterfront. It is said that this eye-catching landmark started its life as a grand mansion, many years ago.
• Mesjid Jami - standing in the town of Kota Ambon, on Pulau Ambon, and right next door to the considerably more modern Masjid Raya al-Fatah, the Mesjid Jami is extremely ornate and very photogenic. The meandering Sungai Batu Gajah river is just a stone's throw to the south.
• Mesjid Nur Ay - a particular highlight on the island of Pulau Ai, lying next door to the imposing star-shaped Benteng Revenge fortress.
• Mesjid Wapaue - a charming thatch-roofed mosque, located on the northerly side of Leihitu, on the island of Pulau Ambon. The Mesjid Wapaue was actually built at the beginning of the 15th century, on the nearby Gunung Wawane mountain, being moved to its present location exactly 250 years later.

Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: free, donations always suggested