PRIME NEWS POST 

NORTH SULAWESI — The Ponto-Pontoh Dynasty is one of the noble lineages with strong historical roots in the development of customs, culture, and traditional governance systems in the North Bolaang Mongondow region.

Originating from the Bolaangitang area, this dynasty played a crucial role from the kingdom era through the colonial period in North Sulawesi.

Historical records show that the name “Ponto” first appeared through Prince Bolaangitang, Class Ponto, who was documented in a letter to the VOC (Dutch East India Company) ruler in Ternate in 1727.

Subsequent development was marked by the leadership of King Bolaangitang, Salmon Muda Ponto – also known as Salomon Ponto in official documents – who was traditionally crowned as the first king in 1793 and later recognized by the British colonial administration around 1811.

Since that time, the use of the Ponto-Pontoh surname has become an inherent identity for the Bolaangitang kings until the formation of the Great Kaidipang Kingdom in 1912, which resulted from the unification of the Bolaangitang and Kaidipang Kingdoms. During this phase, Ram Suit Pontoh was recorded as both the first and last king of the merged kingdom.

The influence of the Ponto-Pontoh Dynasty also extended to the island regions of North Sulawesi. In Tahuna, Kings Soleman Ponto and Christian Ponto are documented; in Siau, Kings Nicholaas Ponto and Jacob Ponto – who were princes from the Bolaangitang Kingdom appointed as rulers are recorded; while in Manganitu, Lambert Ponto is noted as Acting King President. These names affirm the dynasty’s extensive role and influence in the history of traditional governance in the region.

To this day, the lineage remains united under the Ponto-Pontoh Family Association (Ikatan Keluarga Ponto-Pontoh/IKPP), with members spread across various parts of the Indonesian archipelago. One representative of the younger generation, Iftiqar SA Ponto – great-grandson of Bolaangitang King President Sinjo Ponto – has called on the entire Ponto-Pontoh extended family to remain actively involved in preserving, nurturing, and safeguarding customary values and culture, particularly in North Sulawesi.

“The Ponto-Pontoh Dynasty is not merely a lineage, but also an important part of the region’s historical and cultural identity that must be collectively preserved as a legacy for future generations,” he stated.

Ed