Ternate - Smithsonian Institution Libraries

TERNATE 37 TOPOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL DESCRIPTIONS
and the traders. 8 These disputes usually concerned payments demanded for the transport
of commercial goods to the other side of the pass. To end these disputes, the Sultan ordered
a shed to be built under which the goods were kept. For a small [p. 56] fee travelers could
obtain light, fuel, and accommodation for the night. This arrangement still exists and when
complaints are made it is necessary for the government to intervene, after which both
parties are always satisfied.
The need for large–scale repairs, after several earthquakes had left the fort in a
state unfit for habitation, led authorities to review its minor strategic importance. In 1866,
the garrison was withdrawn. It was said at the time that the population had gotten
accustomed to having an official in that place and for that reason a post-holder had been
stationed there. For some years now this official has been more usefully employed in
another part of the Residency. 9
During the Hasan revolt of 1876, the fort was again made habitable and for a few
months an officer was stationed there with thirty ratings; at present it is in complete ruin.
Dodinga is a favorite abode for crocodiles (Ternatese, samah), which often attack
men and animals and drag them away into the deep; they feel completely at home in the
miry mass and deep mud which accumulate between the roots of the mangroves. 10 These
animals are not found near Ternate since the bottom of the sea is rocky and filled with coral
formations.
The Ternatese staff at Dodinga consists of an Utusan, a clerk, and a Sarjeti
(sergeant) with eighteen baru-baru, who rotate duty as messengers, police, and guards for
three to six months at a time. The chief of the district has the title of [p. 57] Kimalaha, and
is appointed by the Sultan without interference of the European government. There are
also the kampongs of Tewe, Toniko, Kayasa, Domin, and Balatu, where, in addition to the
inhabitants proper, people from Maba, Ternatese, and Alfurus from Tubaru have also
settled. The total population consists of two hundred to three hundred families, who keep
themselves occupied by preparing sago and fishing. In some places they also grow paddy
for their private use. In addition to the services already mentioned, they divide up the
work in the community and the responsibility of maintaining the road on the other side of
the pass. They are exempted from the payment of taxes.
We do not want to stay long here, and soon begin the journey across the pass. The
road is no more than a narrow foot path, running initially through alang-alang (tall coarse
grass) fields over fairly flat terrain which becomes more uneven towards the east. Since the
8 [p. 55, n. 3] When Wallace visited the place in 1858 the garrison was still there (1870-1871,
II:19). He claims that the fort is of Portuguese origin.
9 [p. 56, n. 1] At present there are four post-holders, since the Danu Baba Hasan revolt gave the
impulse to increase the number in 1877 and 1880. The four are established at Galela (North
Halmahera), Patani (East Halmahera), Sanana (Sula Islands) and Banggai.
10 [p. 56, n. 2] Many people can still tell you of an enormous squid, known by the native name of
boboocah, which as it cruised in these waters would entwine small proas with its long tentacles and
drag them down into the deep. The smaller species of squid are not dangerous and can be eaten.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES DIGITAL EDITION