MAKASSAR

Makassar, (Makassarese Language: ᨀᨚᨈ ᨆᨀᨔᨑ sometimes spelled Macassar, Mangkasar) is the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the largest city on Sulawesi Island. From 1971 to 1999, the city was formally named Ujung Pandang, after a precolonial fort in the city, and the two names are often used interchangeably. The port city is located at 5°8′S 119°25′E / 5.133°S 119.417°E / -5.133; 119.417Coordinates: 5°8′S 119°25′E / 5.133°S 119.417°E / -5.133; 119.417, on the southwest coast of the island of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar Strait.

Its area is 175.77 km² and has population of 1.25 million.

History

The first European settlers were the Portuguese sailors. Beginning in the sixteenth century, Makassar was the dominant trading center of eastern Indonesia, and soon became one of the largest cities in island Southeast Asia. The Makassarese kings maintained a policy of free trade, insisting on the right of any visitor to do business in the city, and rejecting the attempts of the Dutch to establish a monopoly over the city. Further, tolerant religious attitudes meant that even as Islam became the dominant faith in the region, Christians and others were still able to trade in the city. With these attractions, Makassar was a key center for Malays working in the Spice Islands trade, as well as a valuable base for European and Arab traders from much further afield.

Economy

Pinisi boats at the port of Paotere in Makassar

The city is southern Sulawesi's primary port, with regular domestic and international shipping connections. It is nationally famous as an important port of call for the pinisi boats, sailing ships which are among the last in use for regular long-distance trade.

During the colonial era, the city was famous for being the namesake of Makassar oil, which it exported in great quantity. Makassar ebony is a warm black hue, streaked with tan or brown tones, and highly prized for use in making fine cabinetry and veneers.

Makassar is also a major fishing center in Sulawesi. One of its major industries is the trepang (sea cucumber) industry. Trepang fishing brought the Makassan people into contact with the Yolŋu people of Northern Australia.

Transportation

Makassar has a public transportation system called 'pete-pete'. A pete-pete (known elsewhere in Indonesia as an Angkot) is a large car that has been modified to take more passengers. The route of Makassar's pete-petes is denoted by the letter on the front of the pete-pete (ex. J). Makassar is famous for their pedicab. In Makassar, people who drive pedicab are called Daeng. Because so many pedicabs are in Makassar, the city has the nickname "Kota Daeng". Makassar also has an International Airport named Hasanuddin International Airport located in north-east Makassar or in Maros.

Traditional Food

Makassar has several famous traditional foods. The most famous is Coto Makassar. It is a stew made from cow intestines. Variations include Horse Coto, made from horse meat.

In addition, Makassar is the home of Pisang Epe, or pressed bananas. These are bananas which are pressed, grilled, and covered with a sauce made from palm sugar and durian. Many street vendors sell pisang epe, especially near Losari Beach in Makassar.