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The Pagar Batu complex is a cemetery containing a number of old, sacred tombs.. The village government has designated it as a public cemetery for the Lonthoir community. The responsibility for its management is given to the Lonthoir At-Taqwa Mosque.

There are two sacred tombs in this cemetery. The first is called ‘the grave of 1 span (1 jengkal)’ and the second is call Pohon Sumbang (banyan tree)’. This second sacred is also called the sacred of messenger. Grave 1 span is the grave of one person who can raise courage in the face of the invaders. He is a person who cannot be defeated by the Dutch. The Dutch held a competition, whoever could beat him would be given a prize. The sacredness of the Pohon Sumbang is called the sacred of messenger. If there is a Negeri (Village) celebration, then a prayer is held in this sacred place. This sacred is considered to be informing other sacreds on this island.

In general, there are 7 types of ancient Arabic letters. In the Pagar Batu complex there are 2 types of ancient Arabic letters on the tombstone, namely Gopik and Dewani. Gopik on the writing frame is straight. While Dewani slightly tilted to the right. Local people see the carvings of tombstone motifs originating from Java. While the material is taken from the sea, in the form of large rocks or coral stone. But it is not known how the tombstone was carved. Because there is no story from ancestors about it.

In this tomb found tombstones with shapes and motifs similar to the tombstones in Aceh. It is possible that since ancient times there has been a relationship between the Banda area and Aceh. Many visitors make pilgrimages here. They come from various regions, including outside Maluku. Incense, and coconut coir are used when praying in the sacred. In addition, there is also a betel container from coconut leaves that is placed in a sacred place. Especially when praying for traditional events.

The interview features Joko Yusuf.

Video Director : Rinaldi Ad
Executive Producer : Multia Zahara, Ahmad Zaki
Interviewer : M. Afif Hasibuan
Drone : Fauzan Azhima N. Alidoray
Editor, Colorist, DoP : Rinaldi Ad
Interview Summary : Ahmad Zaki

The full metadata for this oral history interview can be found in the Maritime Asia Heritage Survey database under record (MAHS-IDN-MLK-MLT-BDA-S-033)

The Maritime Asia Heritage Survey is based at Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies, under the direction of Professor R. Michael Feener. The MAHS has field survey teams working across multiple countries contributing to the ongoing development of an open-access online archive. Our growing dataset of archaeological sites and historical artifacts from the Maldives, Indonesia, and other countries of the region can be accessed at: https://maritimeasiaheritage.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

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