Makassar history

The history of Makassar, the largest city on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, is closely intertwined with maritime trade and the struggle for influence in the region. The city has evolved from a bustling port into a major administrative centre, whilst preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Foundation and Rise as a Trade Hub

By the beginning of the 16th century, Makassar was already known as one of the primary trading hubs of Eastern Indonesia. Its strategic position in the Makassar Strait made it a key point on the routes of spice merchants transporting cloves and nutmeg from the Maluku Islands. The city became the capital of the powerful Gowa Sultanate, which actively developed international trade relations. The rulers of Gowa adhered to a free trade policy, attracting merchants to the port from China, Arabia, India, as well as from European countries, including Portugal.

Key Development Factors

• Geography: Its location on the south-western coast of Sulawesi provided convenient access to the "Spice Islands" and control over vital maritime routes.
• Trade: Makassar was a cosmopolitan centre where fabrics and metals were exchanged for rare spices, pearls, and gold. This economic freedom attracted traders who did not wish to submit to the monopoly of the Dutch East India Company.
• Political Power: As the capital of the Gowa Sultanate, the city successfully resisted colonization attempts for a long time. Sultan Hasanuddin, who ruled in the 17th century, went down in history as the "Fighting Cock of the East" for his tenacious struggle against the Dutch.

Cultural and Economic Features

The city's population has historically been formed by the Makassar and Bugis peoples, renowned as skilled seafarers and shipbuilders. Their Phinisi ships remain a symbol of the region's maritime traditions to this day. After a prolonged confrontation, the Sultanate was forced to sign the Treaty of Bongaya in 1667, ceding control of trade to the Dutch. Subsequently, Fort Rotterdam was erected on the site of the old fortress, becoming the centre of colonial administration and a symbol of a new era in the city's history. From 1971 to 1999, the city was named Ujung Pandang, after which its historical name, Makassar, was restored.

Key Dates in the History of Makassar

• Early 16th Century: Makassar transforms into one of the busiest seaports in the region, becoming a centre for the spice trade and the capital of the powerful Gowa Sultanate.
• 1603: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) opens its trading post, marking the beginning of European influence in the city.
• 1607: The Gowa Sultanate officially embraces Islam, strengthening its cultural and political ties with other Muslim states in the archipelago.
• Mid-17th Century: The era of Sultan Hasanuddin's rule — the "Golden Age" of Makassar. The city reaches the peak of its power, actively resisting Dutch attempts to monopolize trade.
• 18 November 1667: Signing of the Treaty of Bongaya. After a long struggle, Sultan Hasanuddin is forced to cede control over trade and territories to the Dutch East India Company.
• 1669: The Dutch strengthen their presence by stationing a garrison in the city and rebuilding the local fortress into the famous Fort Rotterdam, which becomes the stronghold of the colonial administration.
• 9 February 1942: During World War II, the city is occupied by Japanese troops.
• 1945–1950: Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Makassar becomes an arena of conflict between the forces of the young republic and pro-Dutch formations.
• 1971: The city temporarily changes its name to Ujung Pandang.
• 1999: In response to numerous requests from residents, the city's historical and proud name is returned — Makassar.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The evolution of Makassar from a maritime harbour to a modern metropolis of Indonesia is a series of significant transformations that have defined its unique character and role in the region.

• Emergence as a Trade Emporium (16th Century)
  During this period, the city became a key node on the "Spice Route". The free trade policy implemented by the Sultans of Gowa attracted merchants from all over the world, laying the city's economic foundation and shaping its cosmopolitan culture.
• Adoption of Islam (1605)
  The official conversion of the rulers and the population to Islam was a crucial cultural shift. This event not only changed the social structure but also strengthened political and trade alliances with other Muslim states of the archipelago and the Middle East.
• Construction of Fort Rotterdam (Post-1667)
  Following the establishment of Dutch authority, the urban structure changed radically. The fortified fort became the centre of urban planning, around which a European quarter formed with stone buildings and a regular layout, contrasting with the traditional settlements.
• Free Port Status (1846)
  To compete with the growing influence of Singapore, the colonial administration declared the city a free port. This decision gave a powerful boost to the economy, restoring the city's status as a centre of international commerce and stimulating an influx of migrants.
• Urbanization in the Early 20th Century
  A period of active infrastructure modernization. Electricity, running water, and wide paved streets appeared in the city. Urban planning reached a new level, connecting the colonial centre with expanding residential districts.
• The Ujung Pandang Era (1971–1999)
  A time of massive territorial expansion. The city significantly expanded its administrative boundaries (from 21 to 175 sq. km), absorbing suburbs. This allowed for the creation of new industrial zones and transport interchanges necessary for the rapidly growing population.
• Return of the Historical Name and Modern Growth (Since 1999)
  The official restoration of the name Makassar symbolized decentralization and the growth of regional identity. In the 21st century, the city has consolidated its status as the main "gateway" to Eastern Indonesia through the modernization of its port and airport, becoming a hub for logistics, trade, and tourism.

The architectural appearance of Makassar represents a unique blend of local traditions, European colonial influence, and modern trends, reflecting the city's rich and multi-layered history.

Traditional Bugis and Makassar Architecture

Historically, the region was dominated by the wooden architecture of the indigenous peoples — the Bugis and Makassar. Their traditional houses, known as "rumah panggung", are frame structures built on high stilts. This design protected dwellings from floods and wild animals, while the space underneath was used for storage or livestock. The roofs typically have a characteristic saddle shape. Although few such structures remain in the modern city, their elements and principles can still be found in the design of some buildings.

Dutch Colonial Period

The most significant mark on Makassar's architecture was left by the Dutch colonial era. A key monument of this period is Fort Rotterdam. Originally built in the 16th century by the Gowa Sultanate, it was radically rebuilt by the Dutch after 1667. The fortress acquired the features of classical Dutch military architecture with massive bastions and thick walls. Inside the fort, buildings in the typical 17th-century Dutch style have been preserved, characterized by strict lines, high windows, and the use of brick. This fort served as the administrative and military centre for the Dutch in Eastern Indonesia and remains the city's main architectural symbol.

Modern Development

Following Indonesia's independence, and especially in recent decades, Makassar has been actively developed with modern buildings. Multi-storey hotels, shopping malls, office buildings, and mosques designed in an international style have appeared in the cityscape. One of the remarkable modern structures is the Amirul Mukminin Floating Mosque, located off the Losari waterfront. The 21st-century architecture seeks to combine functionality with elements reflecting Islamic culture and the region's maritime heritage, creating a new, dynamic image of Makassar as the gateway to Eastern Indonesia.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Makassar

As the historical and economic hub of Eastern Indonesia, Makassar has been the birthplace and base of operations for many iconic figures who have left their mark on the country's history, politics, and business. Here are some of them:

• Sultan Hasanuddin (1631–1670)

  The sixteenth ruler of the Gowa Sultanate, of which Makassar was the capital. Sultan Hasanuddin is a national hero of Indonesia, famous for his tenacious resistance against the Dutch East India Company in the struggle for control of the spice trade. For his bravery and determination, he earned the nickname "The Fighting Cock of the East" from the Dutch. His reign is considered the golden age of the Sultanate.

• Robert Wolter Monginsidi (1925–1949)

  A national hero of Indonesia and a fighter for independence. Born in Malalayang, near Manado, his activities were closely tied to Makassar, where he led guerrilla warfare against Dutch troops after World War II. He was captured and executed, becoming a symbol of self-sacrifice in the struggle for the country's freedom.

• Andi Mattalatta (1920–2004)

  A military figure, politician, and a key figure in the development of Indonesian sports. A participant in the Indonesian War of Independence, he played an important role in coordinating resistance forces in South Sulawesi. After the war, he was actively involved in developing sports and was one of the founders of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI).

• Muhammad Jusuf Kalla (born 1942)

  An influential Indonesian politician and businessman who twice served as Vice President of Indonesia (2004–2009 and 2014–2019). A native of South Sulawesi, he graduated from Hasanuddin University in Makassar and transformed the family company, Kalla Group, into one of the largest conglomerates in Eastern Indonesia.

• Erwin Aksa (born 1975)

  A prominent entrepreneur and politician from Makassar. He serves as the CEO of Bosowa Corporation, a major diversified holding company founded in Makassar by his father, Aksa Mahmud. The company plays a key role in the regional economy, operating in cement production, the automotive industry, energy, and finance. Erwin Aksa represents the modern generation of the city's business leaders.