RRI.CO.ID, Cilacap - Hidden beneath the coastal soil of Central Java's southern shores lies Benteng Pendem, a colonial-era military marvel that is transforming from a strategic defense post into a premier destination for Eid al-Fitr travelers. As the mudik (homecoming) season approaches, this historic site offers a unique detour for those traversing the southern highway.

Constructed by the Dutch East Indies government between 1861 and 1879, the fortress earned its local name Pendem (meaning "buried" in Javanese) because its entire structure was intentionally covered with earth after completion. Known formally in Dutch as Kussbatterijj op de Lantong te Tjilatjap, the fort served as a formidable barrier against enemy ships attempting to enter the natural harbor of Cilacap.

The 10.5-hectare site, which was only fully excavated in the late 1980s, reveals a fascinating architectural contrast between its Dutch and Japanese occupiers. Aris, the Field Sub-Coordinator for Benteng Pendem, explained that while the Dutch built the structures first and then buried them, the Japanese utilized a different method by digging holes before constructing their concrete defenses.

The materials used also tell a story of colonial logistics. “The bricks range from the smallest at 30 grams to 6 kilograms. The colors also vary between yellow and red,” said Aris on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Visitors can explore roughly 102 buildings, including troop barracks, logistics rooms, and a high-security prison featuring walls 2.5 meters thick. One of the main highlights is a 150-meter tunnel equipped with cannon rooms and emergency exits leading toward the sea. Aris was quick to debunk a popular local myth: “The idea that a tunnel connects to Nusakambangan is just a folk story.”

While the fortress remains quiet during the fasting month of Ramadan, the atmosphere shifts dramatically once the Eid holidays begin. The management expects a significant surge in visitors, transitioning from a handful of daily tourists to upwards of 1,000 people per day.

“During Lebaran, there can be around 500 to 1,000 visitors per day,” Aris predicted.

He noted that while local residents from Banyumas and Banjarnegara frequent the site, the holiday brings in travelers from as far as Jakarta, identifiable by their out-of-town car license plates.

Designated as a National Cultural Heritage site in 2010, Benteng Pendem is managed independently through ticket sales, priced at a modest IDR 7,500 (USD 0.44) per person. Maintenance is handled with extreme care to protect the original materials; for instance, workers are forbidden from using chemical weed killers on the historic walls, opting instead for manual weeding.

For travelers looking for a meaningful break during their journey, the fort offers more than just history. The sight of deer roaming the grounds and the photogenic barracks provide a serene atmosphere before the rush of the holiday begins.

“Our hope is that after Lebaran, visitor numbers will increase,” Aris concluded. ***