The INDONESIAN, (SULAWESI) — Efforts to preserve local history, customs, and cultural identity continue in the Bolangitang region. In a move to reaffirm the historical existence of the Bolangitang Kingdom and its hereditary line, Sangadi Bolangitang II, Mr. Desmon Pua, formally presented a genealogical record tracing the lineage of the Bolangitang kings to Iftiqar Simon Arnold (S.A.) Ponto, who is recognized as the fourth-generation descendant of King Bonji Ponto of Bolangitang.
Today, Bolangitang is known as a district within the North Bolaang Mongondow Regency of North Sulawesi. Historically, however, it was the seat of a sovereign kingdom with its own distinct historical legacy.
The existence of the Bolangitang Kingdom is well-documented in historical records, including a letter associated with Queen Dona Magdalena Linkakoa dating back to 1694 — a key historical marker confirming the establishment of royal governance in the area.
In the course of its history, the Ponto–Pontoh Dynasty assumed rule over the Bolangitang Kingdom beginning with the reign of King Salomon Ponto (also known as Salmon Muda Ponto). Records show that during his rule in 1811, formal relations and agreements were established with the British colonial administration. The dynasty continued to govern until 1912, when the Bolangitang Kingdom was merged with the Kaidipang region to form the larger Kingdom of Kaidipang Besar.
As part of the ongoing effort to maintain historical continuity, Sangadi Bolangitang II issued this genealogical document to formally verify Iftiqar S.A. Ponto’s ancestral connection, confirming his place within the direct lineage of the Bolangitang royal family.
This documentation is regarded not merely as a record of family ancestry, but as a significant contribution to safeguarding Bolangitang’s customary and cultural identity. Descendants of the royal line are seen as vital links to the past, with an important role to play in upholding the values, traditions, and cultural heritage of the region.
Furthermore, support for the verification of this lineage was also conveyed by Farida Malurung Pontoh, S.H., herself acknowledged as a fourth-generation descendant of King Padir Ali Ponto of Bolangitang. Her endorsement was formalized through a written statement, serving as additional validation and reinforcement of the historical identity of the Bolangitang royal lineage.
It is hoped that this initiative will strengthen public awareness of local history while inspiring future generations to preserve, nurture, and develop the customary values, culture, and historical legacy of the Bolangitang Kingdom — an important part of the rich civilizational heritage of the Indonesian archipelago.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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