PRIME NEWS POST
LEIDEN / MANADO — The historical records of Jacob Ponto, King of Siau, have been documented in a doctoral dissertation completed at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Prince Bolangitang, son of King Daud Ponto of Bolangitang, was installed as King of Siau in 1851. In 1889, he was exiled to Cirebon and died in exile at Sangkanurip, Kuningan Regency, West Java, in 1890.
On September 18, 2018, Filipino scholar Ariel C. Lopez was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from Leiden University for his dissertation titled “Conversion and Colonialism: Islam and Christianity in North Sulawesi, 1700–1900.”
North Sulawesi history researchers Iftiqar S.A. Ponto and Giovanni R. Babay revealed that the history of King Jacob Ponto was prominently featured in the doctoral work.
“This dissertation stands as historical evidence that King Jacob Ponto played a significant role and represents a documented record of resistance against colonialism in North Sulawesi during the period of 1851–1889,” said Iftiqar S.A. Ponto.
Giovanni R. Babay noted that the data concerning King Jacob Ponto cited in the dissertation was sourced from the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI), describing it as credible primary historical material.
“We hope that future generations will continue to uphold and advance the history of King Jacob Ponto’s struggle against colonialism in North Sulawesi,” the researchers stated.
