Makassar

 

Fort Rotterdam ("Benteng Ujung Pandang")

 

 

 
Fort Rotterdam not only contains some interesting buildings, an arts centre and the "La Galigo" museum but also provides a quiet haven away from the noisier parts of town. In the late afternoon and evening you will often find here young people playing music or rehearsing for theatre performances.
The King of Gowa built the fort in 1545. After other forts in the area were destroyed in 1669, Fort Rotterdam was taken over by the Dutch. In 1937 it lost its military function and was handed over to the Fort Rotterdam Foundation for cultural purposes.

 

 

Benteng Somba Opu

 

Sketch of Fort Somba Opu - c. 1638

The ruins of the Makassarese fort Somba Opu are located in the delta of the Jeneberang River, about 7 km south of the centre of Makassar. In 1669 Bugis-Dutch forces destroyed the fort while bringing about the ruin of the powerful Makassar kingdom. During the following centuries a large portion of the bricks were taken away to serve as building material for houses and wells in the area.
 

Part of western wall of Fort Somba Opu

Western wall with bastion at end

Little is left of the once all-important fort, though parts of its western wall have been restored, and can be visited. For many people the highlight of the trip is the adjacent open-air museum of traditional houses from South en West Sulawesi. The complex also contains an archaeological museum housing objects found during excavations of the fort and its surroundings.

Open Air Museum Somba Opu - traditional Toraja houses

Open Air Museum Somba Opu - traditional Mandar house

 

Paotere Harbour

 

 

Paotere is the harbour in the north of Makassar where traditional Buginese sailing boats (pinisi) load and unload their cargo. It is fascinating to see the boat workers running across narrow wooden planks from the dock to the boats carrying unbelievably large loads.
The pinisi have been motorised and the number and length of the masts have been reduced, but these boats still make attractive subjects for photography. The boats sail to nearly all parts of Indonesia. Sails are used to reduce fuel consumption and in case of engine problems.

 

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