Fort Rotterdam

Standing at the western coast of Makassar. Fort Rotterdam is recognized as the city’s most iconic landmark. With historical traces dating back to the Kingdom of Gowa from the 16th century to colonization by the Dutch, this Fort has silently witnessed many episodes in Makassar’s history, playing a most essential role in its development.

Fort Rotterdam was built on the location of an earlier Makassarese fort, called Ujung Pandang. The fort was built in 1634, as part of a fortification program that the Makassar rulers undertook in response to a war with the Dutch East India Company which broke out in this year.

Fort Rotterdam lies in the heart of Makassar. It is rectangular in shape, surrounded with 7 meter wall and was equipped with six bulwarks, five of them are still visible. Some of the bastions still contain some cannons. It is possible to walk over most of the ramparts. A two metre deep moat system used to surround the perimeter of the fort, however only the southwest portion of the moat can still be seen today.

Located right in the heart of Makassar, it is not difficult to get to Fort Rotterdam. You can take the local public transportation or pete-pete, or taxi to get to the fort. If you are happen to be in Losari Beach, you can simply stroll down the boulevard and enjoy the scenery before you reach Fort Rotterdam.

Used as a prison by the Dutch and occupying Japanese forces during World War II, the fort now houses a museum detailing the complex history of conflict and contest in the region. It also serves as a well-preserved example of Dutch-era architecture.

The complex was not too big, in just 10 mins you can walk around the stone wall. There were also a small museum inside the complex. The walk around the upper stone wall is a good thing to do and check out all the old buildings on the ground.