From Ujungpandang to Rotterdam: Transfer Power and Name of Fort Based on Lontara

Benteng Ujungpandang or Fort Rotterdam constructed in the 16th century is the only inheritance fort of Kerajaan Gowa-Tallo that still exist and well taken care until 21st century nowadays. Benteng Ujungpandang is a monumental building which located in the west coast, in the suburb of Makassar City. This fort was seized by VOC in 1667 after they conquered Gowa in Perang Makassar. The power transfer from Gowa to VOC caused the name change of Benteng Ujungpandang into Fort Rotterdam. The news about Benteng Ujungpandang were found in local source in South Sulawesi namely Lontara Bilang (diary) and Attoriolong (chronic). Lontara script had recorded the traces of forts in Makassar from time to time, including Benteng Ujungpandang after Perang Makassar. This study discusses the power transfer upon Benteng Ujungpandang from Gowa to VOC that brought along the name change of Benteng Ujungpandang into Fort Rotterdam. This study applied philological approach by referring to four Lontara scripts as the source of data namely Catatan Harian Bone (ms A), Catatan Harian Gowa-Tallo (ms B), Lontara Kronik Gowa (ms C), and Lontara Sakke’ Bone (ms D). Supported data from books, magazines, research result and scientific articles were also included in this study. The results of study show that: 1) Benteng Ujungpandang was built by Raja Gowa in the 16th century to mark the rise of maritime power of Kerajaan Gowa-Tallo; 2) the name change was initiated by Spellman as the Governor of VOC when he converted Benteng Ujungpandang as the center for political activity and VOC authorities in South Sulawesi; 3) Benteng Ujungpandang had its function significantly after VOC and Arung Palakka (Bone) won Perang Makassar in 1666-1667. Under the authority of VOC, Fort Rotterdam functioned as the fortress of VOC, residence of Dutch Governor, center of military command, offices, and prison for the elites.