The INDONESIAN, (KUNINGAN) — The Government of Kuningan Regency, through its Office of Education and Culture, has officially issued a letter of recommendation proposing King of Siau Jacob Ponto as a National Hero of the Republic of Indonesia. The recommendation, numbered 400.6/127/Culture, is dated 4 November 2026.
Signed by the Head of the Kuningan Regency Office of Education and Culture, Dr. Carlan, S.Pd., M.M.Pd., the letter was addressed to Iftiqar S.A. Ponto, representing the extended Ponto-Pontoh family.
According to the document, Jacob Ponto was King of the Kingdom of Siau, Residency of Manado, North Sulawesi, ruling from approximately 1850 to 1889. He passed away on 3 May 1890 in the village of Sangkanurip, Cigandamekar District, Kuningan Regency, West Java.
The recommendation follows a comprehensive review of supporting documents — including an official statement from the Head of Sangkanurip Village, testimonies from community leaders in Ondong Siau, a formal request from the Ponto-Pontoh family, and a proposal submitted by the Sangkanurip Village Government.
In its official considerations, the Office of Education and Culture stated the recommendation is granted in recognition of Jacob Ponto’s service and sacrifice in his struggle on behalf of the people of Siau, North Sulawesi.
Gunawan Wibiksana, Head of Sangkanurip Village, confirmed that the village government has received and formally conveyed the recommendation to the extended Ponto-Pontoh family through Iftiqar S.A. Ponto.
In response, the extended Ponto-Pontoh family expressed profound appreciation and deepest gratitude to all levels of Kuningan Regency Government — from the Sangkanurip Village administration to the Office of Education and Culture.
For the family, this recognition honours the historical legacy and sacrifices of their ancestor — a figure whose life and service connects the communities of both North Sulawesi and Kuningan Regency.
Iftiqar S.A. Ponto, First Deputy Chairman, described the recommendation as a significant milestone in the pursuit of official national recognition for Jacob Ponto’s contributions.
“On behalf of the entire Ponto-Pontoh family, we convey our deepest gratitude to the Government of Kuningan Regency — particularly the Head of Sangkanurip Village and his administration, as well as the Head of Education and Culture — for their attention, support, and recommendation in advancing our ancestor, King of Siau Jacob Ponto, as a candidate for National Hero,” said His Highness Prince Iftiqar S.A. Ponto.
He expressed hope that this endorsement will contribute to the broader assessment process by national authorities, ensuring Jacob Ponto’s legacy receives the recognition it deserves.
“Reviving the history and service of national figures is not merely a family matter. It is about preserving collective memory, honouring those who came before us, and passing their values of courage and dedication to future generations,” he stated.
The Ponto-Pontoh family looks forward to continued collaboration between local governments, traditional leaders, historians, and communities in both North Sulawesi and Kuningan as the nomination process moves forward.
Recognizing the contributions of national figures is central to respecting Indonesia’s shared history. As the saying goes: A great nation is one that never forgets the struggles and sacrifices of those who built it.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media //
