PRIME NEWS POST

THE INDONESIAN — His Excellency Iftiqar S.A. Ponto, representing the extended Ponto-Pontoh family, expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to Fadli Zon for his working visit and pilgrimage to the tomb of King Jacob Ponto in Sangkanurip Village, Cilimus District, Kuningan Regency, West Java, on April 3, 2026.

This statement was delivered during the Communication Forum of the Indonesian Council of Customary Institutions (MAI), attended by Kings, Sultans, Datuks, and customary leaders from across the archipelago. In his remarks, H.E. Iftiqar S.A. Ponto regarded the presence of the Minister of Culture as a tangible form of the state’s respect for the historical struggles of kings and traditional figures in Indonesia.

Historical Background
King Jacob Ponto was the son of King Bolangitang Daud Ponto and Queen Boki Nanggio. He was appointed King of Siau in 1851 by Komalang Bubato (the Royal Council of Siau). He was known as a resolute fighter against Dutch colonialism. As a consequence of his resistance, he was exiled to Cirebon in 1889 and passed away in 1890 in the Kuningan area, West Java.

During the visit, the Minister of Culture and his entourage held a joint prayer and laid flowers at the tomb. In between activities, he recounted the struggles of national figures who were exiled by the colonial government as a strategy to weaken the people’s resistance, while emphasizing the importance of preserving the nation’s collective memory.

H.E. Iftiqar S.A. Ponto also expressed his hope that the tomb of King Jacub Ponto could become a meeting point and center for cultural activities connecting three historical regions Bolangitang, Siau, and Cirebon as a symbol of the unity of Nusantara’s history and culture.

Gratitude was also conveyed by other descendants of King Jacub Ponto, including Mrs. Dorothy Ponto, Mr. Jacub Ponto in Jakarta, and Mr. Paulus Daud Ponto from Komalang Bubato Datu (Customary Council of the Kingdom of Siau), who is a direct descendant of the King.

“This pilgrimage is not merely a visit, but a form of state respect for the services of our ancestors and national heroes. We hope this step marks the beginning of strengthening historical values, traditions, and national identity,” stated H.E. Iftiqar S.A. Ponto on (04/03).

This release further underscores the importance of synergy between the government and customary institutions in preserving, maintaining, and reviving the historical legacy of Indonesia’s struggle. (Ed)