Revisiting fort heritage in Ternate, North Maluku: nostalgia, tourism, and community engagement

Abstract The Spice Islands of Ternate, North Maluku, have been a prime region source of spices for centuries and have held economic, political, and cultural power within the Indonesian archipelago. This paper analyses the heritage of the fort of Ternate to shed light on its dual role as a symbol of the region’s spice-producing legacy and its ties to colonialism. While some forts stand proudly preserved, others languish in neglect. By investigating the nostalgic image of Ternate as a spice producer imbued with colonialism, this study examines how Ternate’s fortresses of Fort Oranje and Fort Kastela have become a main part of heritage tourism initiatives in recent years. This study explores conservation efforts and the response of the local community in Ternate as well as the case of the neglected Fort Rum in Tidore to reveal a multifaceted dynamic wherein heritage preservation not only reflects aspirations to reclaim past glory but also signifies the community’s engagement in shaping the narrative of their heritage. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between heritage preservation, tourism promotion, and community empowerment in the context of Ternate's fort heritage.