Fort Tolukko, Portuguese colonial fort in Ternate Island, Indonesia
Fort Tolukko is a Portuguese colonial fortification on Ternate Island in Indonesia, featuring two stone bulwarks positioned on a cape overlooking the eastern waters. The structure occupies an elevated location designed to monitor the harbor and shipping routes in the region.
The fort was built in 1522 by Portuguese commander Francisco Serraow under the name St. Lucas and served as a control point for the regional clove trade. The Ternate Sultanate expelled the Portuguese forces in 1577, ending Portuguese control of this strategic location.
The fort's name comes from its original designation as St. Lucas, which local residents gradually transformed into Tolukko to match their own language. This linguistic shift shows how the community made the structure part of their own identity.
The fort is located in Dufa Dufa village near Ternate City and offers clear views across the waters toward Halmahera Island. The site provides good visibility over the natural anchorage points and shipping approaches to the region.
The fort changed hands five times throughout its history, moving from Portuguese to Ternate Sultanate control, then to Dutch, British, and Spanish occupants. Each power left its own mark on the building's construction and defensive features.
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