The Roles of the Liya and Kaledupa Forts at Wakatobi As Defensive Forts of the Buton Kingdom

Abstract

This research aimed to find out the forms and roles of the Liya and Kaledupa Forts in the Wakatobi regency in past times. The method used in this research was a systematic survey at those two sites. The results of this research showed that besides the two forts, there are still many other forts. Material remains have been found in the forts, including old mosques, ancient graves, cannons, and various artifacts. This indicates that, in the past, those two forts, besides serving as central defenses, also had roles as administration centers, shelters, centers of dakwah, and dissemination centers of the Islamic religion. The position of the Wakatobi Islands is very strategic. They comprise island clusters, in which the inhabitants, as they adapted to the environment, became peoples with a strong maritime tradition, firm and brave, which become the identity of their culture. The position of these islands as part of the chains of Nusantara’s sea voyages and a trading network since 100 years ago has integrated their communities with other social groups that actively engaged in sea voyages and trading activities. Interactions with the foreign world have made important contributions to the development of the economy and socioculture, which is oriented toward maritime activities.