Baubau history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of Baubau is inextricably linked to the rise of the kingdom, and subsequently the Sultanate, of Buton. Although settlements on the island have existed since ancient times, Baubau began to take shape as a significant urban and political centre in the 15th–16th centuries. A key historical moment was the acceptance of Islam and the official transformation of the kingdom into a sultanate in the 1540s under the ruler Lakkilapunto (Sultan Murhum). The city became the capital of this influential maritime state.

Key Factors of Formation

Several circumstances combined to transform Baubau into an important regional hub:

• Strategic Geography: The city is located in the southwest of Buton Island, controlling maritime straits. This made it an ideal stopover on trade routes between Makassar and the Moluccas ("The Spice Islands").
• Defensive Power: The construction of the famous Kraton Buton fortress (Benteng Keraton Buton), considered one of the most extensive in the world, provided the city with security and the status of an impregnable centre of power.
• Political Structure: The Sultanate's unique governance system, which included the election of the ruler by a council of nobles, contributed to political stability and the city's long prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Baubau was based on maritime trade and intermediation. The port served as a safe haven and transit point for merchants transporting spices, sandalwood, and textiles. The city's cultural life was shaped by the strong influence of Islam, which harmoniously intertwined with local traditions. Within the fortress walls, a highly organised society developed where shipbuilding, weaving, and the study of religious texts flourished, turning Baubau into an intellectual beacon of the region.

Key Milestones in Baubau's History

• Late 13th Century — Arrival of four groups of settlers known as "Mia Patamiana" and the founding of the Wolio settlement, which became the core of the future city.
• 1332 — Unification of scattered settlements into a single Kingdom of Buton under the leadership of the first queen, Wa Kaa Kaa.
• 17 October 1541 — Coronation of the ruler Lakkilapunto, who assumed the title Sultan Murhum, marking the state's transition into the Islamic Sultanate of Buton.
• 1632–1645 — Large-scale construction of the stone walls of the Kraton Buton (Wolio) fortress during the reign of the sixth sultan, La Buke.
• 1911 — The city officially becomes the administrative centre of the Dutch division "East Celebes" (Afdeeling Ost Celebes), receiving modern infrastructure.
• 1942–1945 — Period of Japanese occupation during World War II, temporarily interrupting the city's development.
• 1952 — Baubau is appointed the capital of the Southeast Sulawesi district within the independent Republic of Indonesia.
• 1955 — The administrative centre of the region is moved to the city of Kendari, changing Baubau's political status.
• 1960 — Death of the last ruling sultan, Muhammad Falihi, and the final integration of the Sultanate's structures into the civil administration of Indonesia.
• 21 June 2001 — Baubau receives official status as an autonomous city (Kota) and separates from the Buton Regency.
• 2010 — Local authorities legislatively approve 17 October 1541 as the official founding date of the city.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Baubau is a journey from a fortified royal residence to a modern transit hub. Each historical milestone has left a noticeable mark on the architecture, economy, and way of life of the city.

• Establishment of the Islamic Sultanate (16th Century)

  The adoption of Islam as the state religion and governance reform turned the city into the spiritual and political centre of the region. Significance: This event defined the city's cultural code, making it a stronghold of Muslim scholarship and literacy on Buton Island.

• Construction of the Kraton Fortress (17th Century)

  The erection of massive defensive walls nearly 3 kilometres long became the major urban planning project in the city's history. Significance: The fortress not only ensured security against external invasions but also formed a unique two-level city structure: an aristocratic centre on the hill and a trading port by the water.

• Development of Colonial Infrastructure (Early 20th Century)

  During the period of Dutch administration, the port area was modernised, and administrative buildings in European style were constructed. Significance: The city was integrated into international trade routes, and the export of copra and forest resources began, sparking economic growth.

• Transition to Civil Governance (1960)

  With the passing of the last sultan and the abolition of the monarchical system, the city fully integrated into Indonesia's administrative structure. Significance: This led to the democratisation of public life and the reorientation of the economy from feudal foundations to modern market relations.

• Gaining Autonomous City Status (2001)

  Baubau officially separated from the Buton Regency, becoming an independent administrative unit (Kota). Significance: Gaining autonomy allowed for a larger portion of taxes to remain in the local budget, leading to a construction boom, improvement of city roads, and the development of social facilities.

• Modernisation of the Transport Hub (21st Century)

  Expansion of Murhum Port and development of Betoambari Airport. Significance: Strengthening the city's status as a key logistics node connecting western and eastern Indonesia, fostering investment inflow and tourism development.

Urban Structure: Two Cities in One

The uniqueness of Baubau's urban planning lies in its historical dualism. The city developed on two different planes, dictated by terrain and function:

• Upper City (Kraton): Located on the hilltop, serving as the centre of political and spiritual power. The medieval layout and traditional buildings are preserved here.
• Lower City (Coastal Zone): Developed as a trade and port centre. Here, the architecture is more dynamic, reflecting the shift of eras from colonialism to modernity.

The Sultanate Era (16th–19th Centuries): Traditional Style and Fortification

This period left the most significant heritage defining Baubau's touristic appeal. The architecture is characterised by a combination of stone defensive structures and wooden residential construction.

• Style: Vernacular architecture of Buton and fortification design.
• Features: Use of coral limestone for walls without cement mortar (adhesion achieved through stone fitting and, according to legend, egg whites). Residential buildings are wooden stilt houses (rumah panggung), built without nails using a mortise and tenon system.
• Landmarks:
  • Kraton Buton Fortress (Benteng Keraton Buton): A ring of walls with bastions and gates, inside of which a historic residential district remains.
  • Great Mosque (Masjid Agung Keraton Buton): Built in 1712. An example of early Islamic architecture of the region — a multi-tiered roof without a dome, symbolising stages of spiritual ascension.
  • Malige Palace (Istana Malige): The traditional wooden palace of the Sultan, a masterpiece of Buton carpentry.

Colonial Period (Early 20th Century): European Influence

With the strengthening of the Dutch presence and the administrative shift of activity towards the sea, buildings in a European style adapted for the tropics began to appear in the lower city.

• Style: Indies Empire (Indische Empire) and colonial functionalism.
• Features: Stone buildings with high ceilings, large windows for ventilation, wide terraces, and pitched tiled roofs. The street layout in the lower part of the city became more regular.
• Heritage: Former offices of the Dutch trade administration and officials' residences in the port area (many have been rebuilt but retain their structure).

Modern Era (From Late 20th Century): Indonesian Modernism

After gaining autonomous city status, Baubau experienced a construction boom. Modern development is focused on functionality and serving the growing population.

• Style: Modern functionalism and "Ruko" (shophouse).
• Features: Dominance of concrete and glass. Proliferation of standard 2-3 storey buildings where the ground floor is commercial and the upper floors are residential. Active development of public spaces by the water.
• Landmarks:
  • Kotamara: A modern promenade and public space created on reclaimed land.
  • Dragon Statue: A monument in a modern style symbolising the power and history of the Sultanate, which has become a new landmark of the city.
  • Murhum Port: An infrastructure complex combining utilitarian port architecture with elements of national decor.

Distinguished Figures in Baubau's History

The city's history is inextricably linked with the rulers of the Buton Sultanate, whose wisdom, diplomacy, and martial prowess shaped the unique cultural landscape of the region. Knowing these names will help better understand the significance of Baubau's monuments and streets.

• Wa Kaa Kaa
  First Queen and Founder of the Kingdom (14th Century)
  The legendary ruler with whom the official chronicle of the state begins. She united four scattered settlements ("Mia Patamiana") into the single Kingdom of Buton. Her reign laid the foundations of statehood upon which the powerful sultanate later grew.
• Sultan Murhum (Lakkilapunto)
  First Sultan of Buton (reigned 1538–1584)
  A key historical figure responsible for the adoption of Islam and the transformation of the kingdom into a sultanate. Thanks to his diplomatic and military talents, Baubau became a dominant force in the region. His tomb within the Kraton fortress is one of the city's main shrines.
• Sultan Dayanu Ikhsanuddin (La Elangi)
  Fourth Sultan and Great Legislator (17th Century)
  An intellectual leader of his era. He developed and implemented the constitution of the sultanate, known as "Martabat Tujuh" (The Seven Dignities). This complex system of laws and democratic principles ensured Baubau's political stability for three centuries to come.
• Sultan Himayatuddin Muhammad Saidi (Oputa Yi Koo)
  20th and 23rd Sultan, National Hero of Indonesia (18th Century)
  A symbol of resistance against colonialism. He refused to submit to the dictates of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and led a successful guerrilla war in the island's forests. In 2019, the Indonesian government officially recognised him as a National Hero. His statue adorns one of the city's parks.
• Sultan Muhammad Falihi
  38th and Last Ruling Sultan (died 1960)
  A ruler of a transitional era. He was tasked with the peaceful integration of the ancient sultanate into the modern Republic of Indonesia. His wisdom allowed for the preservation of cultural traditions and the institution of the sultanate as a custodian of customs, while transferring real power to the civil administration.