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Fort Rotterdam: A Tough Fort that Holds Colonial Traces and Stories of the Nation

The Beginning of the Founding: A Fort Built for Defense and Combat

Fort Rotterdam is one of the important historical relics in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

The fort was initially built by the Kingdom of Gowa in the 16th century as a means of defense from enemy threats, especially when facing attacks from other kingdoms and foreign invaders.

The primary function of this fort is as a place of protection and a strategic military command center.

The fort's solid structure and sea-facing position made Fort Rotterdam a formidable fortress for defending the royal territory from enemy attacks.

Transformation by the Dutch: From Ujung Pandang to Rotterdam

After the Dutch gained control of Makassar in the 17th century, the fort underwent significant changes, both in terms of name and function.

The Dutch renamed Ujung Pandang to Rotterdam, in honor of their port city in the Netherlands.

In addition to changing the name, the Dutch also reconstructed and strengthened the fort's structure. Fort Rotterdam became the center of the Dutch government and administration in eastern Indonesia.

This transformation shows a shift in the fort's function from a defense center for local kingdoms to a strategic center of colonial power.

Architecture and Plan Full of Symbols and Strategic Functions

The architecture of Fort Rotterdam was designed not only for defense purposes but also reflects the philosophy and symbols of power.

The fort is rectangular with a length of about 1,500 meters and a width of 1,000 meters, surrounding an area of almost 9 hectares.

The thick and high walls of the fort were built using durable coral stone, while its position directly faces the sea to monitor enemy ships.

Inside the fort were various essential buildings such as the ruler's house, armory, prison, and church. Every corner of the fort is also equipped with strategically placed cannons to maintain defense.

Fort Rotterdam as a Prison and Witness to History

Apart from functioning as a defense fort, Fort Rotterdam was also a prison during the Dutch colonial period.

Many vital figures and freedom fighters were imprisoned here, making it a silent witness to the history of the Indonesian struggle.

The prison building inside the fort can still be found and is part of a historical tour that reveals the bitter stories of the colonial period.

In addition, the fort was the site of many historical events, such as important battles and negotiations that influenced the course of history in eastern Indonesia.

Entrance Ticket Price and Tourist Information for Visitors

As one of the popular historical tourist destinations in Makassar, Fort Rotterdam can be visited by both local and foreign tourists.

The entrance ticket price is relatively affordable, usually ranging from Rp10,000 to Rp20,000 per person, depending on the category of visitor (adult, student, or group).

The fort is open daily from 8am to 5pm, giving visitors enough time to explore the various corners and learn about its history.

Around the fort there are also supporting facilities such as cafes, souvenir shops, and parking areas that make it easier for tourists to visit.

How to Get to Fort Rotterdam

Here are some practical ways you can choose to get to Fort Rotterdam, one of the most famous historical tourist destinations in Makassar:

From Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar

Fort Rotterdam is about 20 kilometers from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. You can use airport taxis or online transportation services such as Gojek and Grab with a travel time of about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Online transportation rates usually range from Rp50,000 to Rp70,000.

Using Public Transportation (Trans Mamminasata)

If you want a more economical option, you can use the Trans Mamminasata bus that serves the main routes in Makassar.

Find a route that goes to the city center or around Jalan Ujung Pandang, then get off at the nearest bus stop to Fort Rotterdam, such as Benteng Stop or around Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin.

From the bus stop, you only need to walk about 5-10 minutes to the location.

Using a Private Vehicle

For those of you who bring a private vehicle or rent a car, Fort Rotterdam is easily accessible via Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin.

There are adequate and safe parking areas around the fort. Make sure to follow the directions and park in the designated spaces to avoid disrupting traffic.

By Bicycle or on Foot

For tourists staying in the city center of Makassar, you can also reach Fort Rotterdam on foot or by bicycle.

The location is quite strategic and easily accessible from many hotels and inns around the city center.

INSIGHT

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