The Development Characteristics of Makassar City in Past and Present

Abstract

A city experiences a process of development and change, both physical and nonphysical. Makassar grew through a long historical process and as a colonial trading base in eastern Indonesia in the past. At present, Makassar is growing as a metropolitan city with various complex urban problems, resulting in the emergence of threats to historical values. This study aims to identify the development characteristics of Makassar City from pre-colonial to modern times. The study was conducted through a literature study, observation, and interview. The study results show that the historical development of Makassar City has undergone a long transformation since the 17th century, which consists of three essential phases: the kingdom era (traditional city/kingdom city); the colonialism era (colonial city/fort city); and the development of Makassar towards a modern city after Indonesia's independence. After the collapse of the Gowa Kingdom, Makassar City grew from a colonial city formed around Fort Rotterdam, which grew from the Vlaardingen and Melayu villages in the northern part of Fort Rotterdam and Kampung Baru in the southern part of the fort. Unfortunately, the development of Makassar to become a world city has blurred the image of Makassar as a historical city, where historical sites are neglected and even displaced by the hegemony of urban development and trade areas. Therefore, a sustainable urban development strategy is needed by integrating the preservation of cultural heritage with the management of trade areas based on local wisdom. The findings of this study can provide information about the characteristics of the development of Makassar City from era to era and describe the impact of urban development on historical values and changes in urban spatial planning patterns, as well as provide input for city planners and a consideration for local governments in developing Makassar City that accommodates historical values and sustainability in the future.