Makassar

The Siege of Makassar, also known as the Trunojoyo Rebellion, was a significant military campaign waged by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) against the Sultanate of Gowa in Makassar. The VOC, with the help of Bugis prince Arung Palakka, aimed to reduce the power of the Sultanate, which was a major center of resistance to Dutch colonial authority. The siege ended on June 27, 1669, when the fortress of Fort Rotterdam fell to the Dutch forces, leading to the eventual submission of Makassar to VOC control. This event marked a major turning point in the history of Makassar, emphasizing the role of collusion between European forces and local actors to change political landscapes in Indonesia.

The dissolution of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) on January 1, 1800, marked a pivotal change in the administration of Makassar and other parts of Indonesia. The VOC was replaced by the Dutch colonial government, leading to significant changes in governance, trade policies, and colonial strategies. This transition affected the socio-economic dynamics of Makassar, as the city had been an important trading hub under the VOC regime. The dissolution was part of broader shifts in colonial governance and the decline of conglomerate-controlled trade and territorial domains across what would become modern-day Indonesia.

The Treaty of Bongaya was an agreement signed on May 21, 1858, between the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Sultanate of Gowa, in what is now Makassar. This treaty resulted in significant territorial concessions to the VOC, reducing the Sultanate's power and increasing Dutch influence in the region. The Treaty of Bongaya is a pivotal document in the colonial history of Indonesia, as it marked the beginning of Dutch dominance in South Sulawesi and the waning influence of local rulers. This treaty set the stage for the eventual establishment of direct colonial rule in Makassar.

On November 18, 1905, Makassar officially became the capital of the newly established Dutch colonial government unit in South Sulawesi. This elevation to capital status was part of the Dutch effort to better administer their territorial possessions in the archipelago. Makassar's strategic location and economic potential made it a key administrative and military center during the colonial period. Being elevated to the status of a colonial capital also led to infrastructure development, such as the building of roads, ports, and government buildings, which played a significant role in shaping Makassar's modern urban landscape.

During World War II, Makassar fell under Japanese occupation on February 9, 1943, when Japanese forces took control from the Dutch. This occupation was part of Japan's broader strategy to secure resource-rich territories in Southeast Asia. The period of Japanese rule in Makassar, like elsewhere in the region, was marked by significant hardship, forced labor, and the reorganization of local economies to benefit the Japanese war effort. The occupation also gave rise to nationalist sentiments, and the post-occupation period played a crucial role in Indonesia's eventual path to independence.

The Massacre of Westerling, also known as the South Sulawesi Campaign, was a brutal military counter-insurgency operation conducted by the Dutch armed forces under Captain Raymond Westerling. Following Indonesia's proclamation of independence, the Dutch sought to reassert control over Indonesia, including Makassar, South Sulawesi. The operation commenced around July 1, 1946, and involved summary executions and mass killings as the Dutch attempted to quell nationalist resistance. The campaign led to the deaths of several thousand Indonesians and remains a highly controversial aspect of Dutch colonial history, reflecting the violent struggles during Indonesia's fight for independence.

The Makassar Incident refers to a significant uprising that took place on April 21, 1950, in Makassar, Sulawesi. This occurred in the wake of Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. The discontent arose due to dissatisfaction with the central government's policies and local grievances. It led to a conflict involving Indonesian nationalist forces and ex-KNIL soldiers who were opposed to the unification process under the new Indonesian Republic. The incident underscored the complexities involved in the post-colonial nation-building process and highlighted regional tensions that needed to be addressed during Indonesia's early years of independence.

On December 7, 1971, Makassar officially achieved its status as a city (kota). Previously a municipal area, this political transition allowed Makassar to have greater governance and administrative autonomy. Located in South Sulawesi, Makassar is an important regional hub, with its port and rich cultural heritage. The city status paved the way for more focused urban planning and development, which contributed significantly to its growth in infrastructure, education, and tourism. Makassar continued to evolve as a major center for trade, shipping, and culture in Eastern Indonesia.

The Reformasi protests began in Makassar on May 21, 1998, as part of the nationwide protests across Indonesia calling for political reform and the end of President Suharto's New Order regime. These protests were characterized by student-led demonstrations demanding democratic reforms, freedom, and improved governance. The movement in Makassar saw thousands of participants, and their actions were instrumental in Suharto’s eventual resignation. The Reformasi era led to significant political and social changes in Indonesia, including decentralization, increased regional autonomy, and a shift towards more democratic governance.

On October 15, 1999, the province of South Sulawesi was officially established with Makassar as its capital. This reorganization in the Indonesian administrative structure was part of a broader effort towards regional autonomy following the end of the Suharto regime. With the implementation of Laws on Regional Autonomy, provinces like South Sulawesi were given more control over their own economic and administrative affairs. Makassar, as the central city, benefited substantially in terms of development, regional influence, and becoming a focal point for cultural and commercial activities in the region.