Fort Oranje

Fort Oranje is a colonial-era fortification in Ternate characterized by four stone bastions linked by thick defensive walls arranged in a geometric pattern. The complex features an elevated rampart system that runs along the entire perimeter, creating multiple levels for military operations.

The fort was constructed in 1607 by Cornelis Matclief de Jonge and replaced an earlier Portuguese fortification on the site. It became the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company in North Maluku, serving as the center of European commercial control in the region.

The fort once housed the Dutch governor's residence, which served as the seat of colonial administration in the region. Today this space reflects how authority and culture were managed during the European colonial period in Indonesia.

Visitors enter the fort grounds through the main gate, which is marked by a prominent bell structure at the entrance. The site can be explored on foot, with the layout allowing you to see the various military buildings and defensive structures from different angles.

The fort's stone walls contain visible layers of repairs and modifications made across different centuries, revealing how the structure was adapted and maintained over time. These modifications show how the defenses were repeatedly improved to meet changing military needs.