Why Has Fort Rotterdam Remained Standing for Hundreds of Years?
If you ever visit Makassar, one historical landmark you shouldn't miss is Fort Rotterdam. This impressive fortress has witnessed centuries of history, from the powerful Gowa Kingdom to the Dutch colonial era, making it one of the city's most important cultural sites.
The fort was originally built by the Gowa Kingdom in the 16th century and was known as Fort Ujung Pandang. Its layout is said to resemble a sea turtle facing the ocean, a symbol that represented the kingdom's strength on both land and sea.
After the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) took control of the fort. Governor-General Cornelis Speelman renamed it Fort Rotterdam after his hometown in the Netherlands. It later became an administrative center, military base, and trading hub for the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago.
Fort Rotterdam is also closely connected with the story of Prince Diponegoro. Following his capture in 1830, the Indonesian national hero spent the rest of his life in exile inside the fort until his death in 1855. The room where he was held is now one of the most visited parts of the complex.
Today, the fort serves as a cultural and historical attraction. Inside the walls, visitors can explore museums, colonial-era buildings, and exhibitions about the history of South Sulawesi. Walking through the complex offers a glimpse into the region's rich past and its role in Indonesia's history.
Recommended Historical Site:
Fort Rotterdam, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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