Governor repeats order to halt park construction at historical fort

South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo reiterated his order to halt of the construction of an amusement park at the historical site of Fort Somba Opu, Makassar, following allegations that the activity had caused destruction in the site.

Syahrul repeated the order Wednesday after he learned while inspecting the location that his order to halt the construction of Gowa Discovery Park last week had not been obeyed.

“The construction must be ceased temporarily, starting from today, until the team that we formed concludes their study,” he told the developer of the park.

Syahrul explained that the team, which includes a number of archaeologists, historians and officials, would investigate whether or not the construction of the park had caused destruction of the site, as many have alleged and protested.

There was no intention to destroy the site, built in the 16th Century, which is a remnant of the Gowa Kingdom, he added.

“I only want to renovate and bring life back to Fort Somba Opu, which people have very rarely visited. I thought by adding a bird park and a water park in the area people would be attracted to come and see the fort,” the governor said.