Fort Rotterdam

The Fort Rotterdam stands as a historical landmark in the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and bore witness to the legacy of the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom. The construction of this fortress commenced in 1545 under the reign of King Gowa X, I Manrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung, also known by the title Karaeng Tunipalangga Ulaweng. Initially named “Benteng Ujung Pandang”, the fort was renamed Fort Rotterdam after falling under Dutch control. During the Dutch colonial era, Fort Rotterdam served as a place of confinement for Prince Diponegoro from 1833 until his death on January 8, 1855. This historical event cements the fort's significance as a testament to Indonesia's struggle for independence.