Gorontalo officials address former Post and Telegraph House controversy

Gorontalo Mayor Adhan Dambea has addressed the controversy surrounding the former Post and Telegraph House, asserting the local government's authority to revoke its cultural heritage status. Following a legal settlement involving a Rp700 billion lawsuit from the landowner, the city conducted a review of the 2020 decree designating the building as a cultural heritage site. The Mayor stated that the review uncovered irregularities that contradict Law Number 11 of 2010 regarding Cultural Heritage, specifically noting that the land has been privately owned since 2004.

Simultaneously, the Gorontalo Regional Police (Polda Gorontalo) are investigating allegations of vandalism at the site. The case has moved to the investigation stage, with authorities having gathered two pieces of evidence, including written statements and electronic evidence. Investigators have interviewed 23 witnesses and two experts. Police officials indicated that while the minimum evidentiary requirements have been met, they are continuing to collect additional evidence to strengthen the case before proceeding with the designation of suspects.