Kuto Besak Fort Expected To Attract Asian Games Participants

id Kuto Besak Fort Expected To Attract Asian Games Participants

Kuto Besak Fort Expected To Attract Asian Games Participants

Illustration. Asian Games 2018. (Antara)

Palembang, South Sumatra, (Antara Sumbar) - The Kuto Besak Fort in Palembang, South Sumatra, is expected to become a popular tourist attraction among participants of the Asian Games 2018, as the location is interesting and strategic.

Spokesman of the South Sumatra Culture and Tourism Office Zainal Arifin remarked here on Wednesday (Sept 13) that the Kuto Besak Fort is among the several tourist attractions on offer for the participants of the international sporting event.

According to Arifin, the fort, situated strategically along the Musi River, has interesting historical value that can attract the participants of the Asian Games.

Built during the 17th century, the Kuto Besak Fort is a legacy of the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate that ruled during the 1550-1823 period.

According to history, the construction of the Kuto Besak Fort was initiated by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I, who reigned from 1724 to 1758.

The construction began in 1780 during the era of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin. The fort was meant to serve as a palace that was built to replace the old Keraton Kuto Lamo or Benteng Kuto Lamo, which did not look sufficiently grand.

Currently, the Benteng Kuto Lamo is used as the Museum Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II. It took 17 years before the Kuto Besak Fortress was finally used officially as the Sultanate's governmental center since February 21, 1797. (*)

Editor: Vicha Faradika