Fort Rotterdam, a legacy of the Gowa Kingdom, combines colonial and local architecture, offering rich history, cultural attractions and a captivating atmosphere in the heart of Makassar City.
Fort Rotterdam is one of the most prominent historical sites in Indonesia, standing majestically in the center of Makassar City, South Sulawesi. This fort, originally named Ujung Pandang Fort, was built in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, I Manrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung.
Originally made of clay, the fort was later renovated with tuff stone taken from the Karst Mountains in Maros during the reign of Sultan Alauddin, the 14th King of Gowa.
Having a shape resembling a turtle which symbolizes power on land and sea, Fort Rotterdam not only functions as a defense but also reflects the philosophy of the Gowa Kingdom which was victorious in both regions.
The Long History of Fort Rotterdam
1. The Golden Age of the Gowa Kingdom
This fort was originally built as a strategic defense to protect the territory of the Gowa Kingdom from enemy invasion. Its early structures made of clay demonstrate the technological simplicity of the era.
However, under Sultan Alauddin, the fort was renovated to be more solid with solid stone, making it one of the most formidable forts of its time.
2. Submission to the Dutch and Change of Name
Following the Treaty of Bungayya in 1667, the fort was handed over to the Dutch. The name of Ujung Pandang Fort was changed to Fort Rotterdam by Cornelis Speelman, a Governor General of the VOC, to commemorate his hometown in the Netherlands.
For 200 years, this fort was the center of Dutch government and economy in the Eastern Indonesia region.
3. The Exile of Prince Diponegoro
One of the important chapters in the history of Fort Rotterdam was when this fort was used as a place of exile for Prince Diponegoro. This national hero was held in Fort Rotterdam from 1833 until his death in 1855.
During his imprisonment, Prince Diponegoro produced a number of notes on Javanese culture which are now a valuable cultural heritage.
4. The Era of Japanese Occupation and Independence
During the Japanese occupation (1942-1945), Fort Rotterdam was converted into a center for scientific and language research. After Indonesia’s independence, this fort was converted into a historical tourist destination, cultural center, and educational activity site.
5. Role and Function of Fort Rotterdam
- Gowa Kingdom Period: Strategic defense against enemies.
- Dutch Colonial Period: Center of government, economy, and spice trade.
- Japanese Occupation: Center for scientific research and development.
- Modern Era: Historical tourist destination, cultural arts center, and performing arts venue.
Main Attractions of Fort Rotterdam
1. Iconic Colonial Architecture
Fort Rotterdam has 16 magnificent European colonial style buildings. The steep gable roof, large windows, and sturdy structure reflect the beauty of past architectural designs.
2. Turtle Philosophy
The shape of the fort resembles a turtle, symbolizing the philosophy of the Gowa Kingdom, namely land and sea power. The turtle also symbolizes the resilience and adaptation that is characteristic of the kingdom.
3. La Galigo Museum
Inside the fort complex, there is the La Galigo Museum which displays historical collections such as traditional weapons, miniature pinisi ships, fossils, and South Sulawesi cultural artifacts. This museum is an ideal educational destination to understand local history and culture.
4. Beautiful Green Park
The garden in the middle of the fort offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere. This area is often a gathering place for visitors to relax or take photos.
5. Cultural Event Locations
The fort is often the center of various arts and cultural events, such as the Makassar International Writers Festival, music performances, and art exhibitions.
Interesting Facts about Fort Rotterdam
- Built in 1545: Originally made of clay, then renovated with hard stone.
- Original Name: Ujung Pandang Fort before it was changed to Fort Rotterdam.
- Prince Diponegoro’s Exile Center: This fort was the hero’s final resting place until his death.
- Five Unique Bastions: Bastion Bone, Bacan, Buton, Mandarsyah, and Amboina are an integral part of the fort’s defense system.
- Mystical Stories: There are mystical stories about sightings of Dutch soldiers and strange sounds at night.
- Walls of Different Lengths: The length of the fort walls varies from 155 meters to 225 meters, indicating complex architectural planning.
- Youth Activity Center: From photography to festivals, Fort Rotterdam is a favorite place for Makassar’s youth.
Things to Do at Fort Rotterdam
- Visiting La Galigo Museum: This museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of South Sulawesi through its collection of artifacts and historical objects.
- Taking Photos with a Historical Building Background: With its colonial architecture and beautiful gardens, this fort is a perfect location for taking photos.
- Exploring Bastions: Each bastion has a unique design and story, providing an engaging exploration experience.
- Attend Cultural Events: From literary festivals to art exhibitions, the fort is a place alive with cultural activities.
- Souvenir Shopping: Shops inside the fort offer a variety of unique souvenirs, including history books and handicrafts.
Access Location to Fort Rotterdam
- Address: Jalan Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Ujung Pandang District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi.
- Distance: 49 minutes from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and only 4 minutes from Makassar Port.
- Access: Can be reached by private vehicle or public transportation.
Fort Rotterdam is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00. Entrance tickets to this fort are very affordable, and some areas can even be accessed for free, making it a friendly destination for all ages.
Fort Rotterdam is a silent witness to Indonesia’s long historical journey. With its magnificent architecture, profound philosophy and important role in history, this fort offers an experience that is not only informative but also memorable.
As a symbol of the glory of the Gowa Kingdom and traces of Dutch colonialism, Fort Rotterdam is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to understand the history of Makassar and South Sulawesi.
In addition, the fort’s natural atmosphere and full of stories make a visit to this place an unforgettable experience. So, when will you explore Fort Somba Opu?
