Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, a legacy of the Gowa Kingdom, is a fascinating historical site with colonial architecture, cultural attractions and legendary stories.
Fort Rotterdam, also known as Ujung Pandang Fort, is one of the most iconic historical heritages in Indonesia.
Located in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, this fort is a symbol of the glory of the Gowa Kingdom in the 16th century and a silent witness to the Dutch colonial era.
With its distinctive architecture that combines local and colonial styles, Fort Rotterdam offers an attraction that is not only historical but also aesthetic.
Built in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, the fort was originally made of clay before being renovated using hard stone from the Karst Mountains in Maros.
Its shape resembles a turtle which symbolizes the power of land and sea, reflecting the philosophy of the Gowa Kingdom which controlled both regions.
The Long History of Fort Rotterdam
1. The beginning of the development and glory of the Gowa Kingdom
This fort was built during the reign of the 9th King of Gowa, I Manrigau Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung, to defend the region from enemy attacks.
However, during the reign of the 14th King of Gowa, Sultan Alauddin, the fort was renovated with stronger material, namely hard stone.
2. Surrender to the Netherlands
After the Treaty of Bungayya in 1667, the Gowa Kingdom handed over the fort to the Dutch. The name of the fort was later changed to Fort Rotterdam by Cornelis Speelman to commemorate his hometown in the Netherlands.
For 200 years, the fort was the center of government, economy, and spice trade in Eastern Indonesia.
3. Place of Exile of Prince Diponegoro
Fort Rotterdam has an important role in the history of Indonesia’s struggle. In 1833, Prince Diponegoro was held captive by the Dutch in this fort until he died in 1855. During his imprisonment, Prince Diponegoro wrote notes describing Javanese culture.
4. Japanese Occupation and Independence Era
During the Japanese occupation (1942-1945), the fort was used as a center for scientific and language research. After Indonesian independence, the fort became a historical and cultural tourist destination, as well as a venue for various arts and educational activities.
5. Functions of Fort Rotterdam in Various Eras
- Gowa Kingdom: Defense headquarters against enemy invasion.
- Dutch Colonial: Center of government, spice trade, and detention of national figures.
- Japanese Occupation: Scientific research center.
- Modern Times: Historical tourist destination, cultural center, and performing arts venue.
The Attraction and Uniqueness of Fort Rotterdam

1. Colonial Style Architecture
The fort has 16 European-style buildings with steep gable roofs and large windows. The combination of local and colonial elements provides high aesthetic value.
2. The Philosophical Form of the Turtle
The shape of the fort resembles a turtle which symbolizes the power of land and sea. This philosophy reflects the power of the Gowa Kingdom which controlled both regions.
3. La Galigo Museum
Inside the fort, there is the La Galigo Museum which exhibits historical collections such as traditional weapons, miniature pinisi ships, fossils, and South Sulawesi cultural artifacts.
4. Beautiful Green Park
This fort has a green garden with neatly arranged grass, creating a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing or taking pictures with the historical building in the background.
5. Historical and Cultural Landmarks
As a Makassar landmark, Fort Rotterdam is often the location of cultural events such as music festivals, art performances, and book fairs.
Interesting Facts About Fort Rotterdam
- Built in 1545 : By King Gowa X, originally made of clay before being renovated into solid stone.
- Original Name : Known as Ujung Pandang Fort before being changed to Fort Rotterdam by the Dutch.
- Prince Diponegoro Prison : A place of exile for national struggle figures until his death.
- Youth Destination : Favorite location for creative events, pre-weddings, and photography.
- Five Unique Bastions : Bastion Bone, Bacan, Buton, Mandarsyah, and Amboina are an important part of the fort’s defense system.
- Different Sized Walls : The length of the walls varies, from 155.35 meters to 225 meters, indicating the complexity of its architecture.
- Strategic Location : Located in the center of Makassar City, close to restaurants, hotels, and minimarkets.
- Mystical Stories : This fort is also known for its mystical stories, including apparitions of Dutch soldiers and the spirits of past victims.
Interesting Activities at Fort Rotterdam
- Visiting La Galigo Museum : This museum is a perfect place to learn about the history and culture of South Sulawesi. You can see traditional weapons, pinisi ships, and other archaeological collections.
- Taking Photos at Historical Buildings : With a backdrop of colonial buildings, green parks, or bastions, Fort Rotterdam is an ideal place for photography.
- Exploring the Bastions : Each bastion has a unique story and design that reflects the history and philosophy of the Gowa Kingdom.
- Attending Cultural Events : Fort Rotterdam frequently hosts a variety of cultural events, including literary festivals, art exhibitions, and musical performances.
- Buying Souvenirs : Shops around the fort sell various souvenirs such as handicrafts, history books, and typical Makassar items.
Location and Access 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: Easy to reach by private vehicle or public transportation.
Fort Rotterdam is open every day from 08.00 to 18.00. Entry is very affordable or even free for some areas, making it a friendly destination for all ages.
Fort Rotterdam is not just a historical building, but also a symbol of past glories and struggles. With stunning architecture, deep stories, and rich cultural attractions, this fort is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Makassar.
In addition to being a silent witness to the nation’s long journey, Fort Rotterdam also offers an educational, aesthetic, and even mystical experience. So, when will you explore the historical wonders of Fort Somba Opu?