Petilasan Tuanku Imam Bonjol in the Land of Exile

Helloindonesia.id – In mid-1837, after several wars, the Dutch colonial government finally succeeded in apprehending Imam Bonjol, who then exiled him to several remote places in the archipelago. Until November 6, 1864, Imam Bonjol died in exile in Minahasa, North Sulawesi.

Tuanku Imam Bonjol was then buried in Lota Village, Pineleng, Minahasa, North Sulawesi. To honor his services for those who fought for Indonesian independence, Imam Bonjol was appointed as one of Indonesia’s national heroes, and his tomb was built in such a way that the public could remember and live the struggle of Imam Bonjol.

Imam Bonjol’s tomb was built in an architectural style that has a strong Minang nuance, namely on the gonjong-shaped roof. The tomb building located in the middle of this residential area also contains Islamic nuances. This can be seen from the calligraphy of the Qur’anic verses in the middle of the tomb.

Inside the tomb measuring about 6×10 meters, there is only the tomb of Tuanku Imam Bonjol. On the tombstone is written; Tuanku Imam Bonjol died in exile by the Dutch colonial government for fighting against colonialism for the independence of the homeland, nation and state. On the walls of the tomb there is a marble painting depicting Tuanku Imam Bonjol riding a horse in battle.

Not far from the location of the tomb, by descending several stairs, visitors can see a prayer room that was once used by Tuanku Imam Bonjol for worship. Inside the prayer room there is a large stone facing the Qibla, from that stone Imam Bonjol retreated and drew closer to God in his exile.

Ibu Ainun, a descendant of Imam Bonjol who is also responsible for guarding the tomb, said that when the Dutch colonial government exiled him to Minahasa, Imam Bonjol brought a bodyguard. Imam Bonjol’s bodyguard then married a Minahasa girl who had embraced Islam, and has children until now.

The tomb of Tuanku Imam Bonjol is often visited by people from various circles. Usually they come from outside Minahasa who want to find out about Imam Bonjol at the level of Indonesian national history. “Many people come here to research and learn history, besides there are also those who just want to make a pilgrimage,” said Mrs. Ainun.

source indonesiakaya