Makassar
Makassar, (
Macassar,
Mangkasar) is the
provincial capital of
South Sulawesi,
Indonesia. From
1971 to
1999, the city was formally named
Ujung Pandang, after a precolonial fort in the city, and the two names are often used interchangeably. The port city is located at , on the southwest coast of the island of
Sulawesi, facing the
Makassar Strait.
Its area is 175.77 km² and has population of 1.25 million.
Beginning in the
sixteenth century, Makassar was the dominant trading/pao center of eastern Indonesia, and soon became one of the largest cities in island
Southeast Asia. The Makassarese kings maintained a strict policy of free trade, insisting on the right of any visitor to do business in the city, and rejecting the attempts of the
Dutch to establish a monopoly over the city. Further, tolerant religious attitudes meant that even as
Islam became the dominant faith in the region,
Christians and others were still able to trade in the city. With these attractions, Makassar was a key center for
Malays working in the
Spice Islands trade, as well as a valuable base for
European and
Arab traders from much further afield.
The importance of Makassar declined as the Dutch became more powerful in the region, and were better able to enforce the monopoly over the spice trade that they desired. In
1667 the Dutch, allied with the
Bugis prince Arung Palakka, invaded and captured Makassar, eliminating its role as an independent trading center.
|
Pinisi boats at the port of Paotere in Makassar |
The city is southern Sulawesi's primary port, with regular domestic and international shipping connections. It is nationally famous as an important port of call for the
pinisi boats, sailing ships which are among the last in use for regular long-distance trade.
During the colonial era, the city was famous for being the namesake of
Makassar oil, which it exported in great quantity. Makassar
ebony is a warm black, streaked with deep red, and highly prized for fine cabinetry and
veneers.
Makassar is also a major fishing center in
Sulawesi. One of its major industries is the trepang industry.
*
Makassar language* Reid, Anthony. 1999.
Charting the shape of early modern Southeast Asia. Chiang Mai: Silkworm Books. ISBN 974-7551-06-3. pp. 100-154.
