Fort Rotterdam sits on Makassar's waterfront, beside Losari Beach. Its origins go back to the mid-1500s, when the Gowa Sultanate built a fort on the site. The Dutch took it after the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667, rebuilt it and renamed it after Rotterdam. Today the fort holds Dutch-style buildings with pitched red roofs, bastions and ramparts, and a museum on the history of Makassar. Walk the walls, look at the old offices and cannon rooms, and spend time in the courtyards and palm-lined lawns.
From Gowa fort to Dutch stronghold
The site was first fortified in the mid-16th century by the Gowa Sultanate, one of the most powerful kingdoms in the history of Indonesia. The early fort went by names such as Fort Ujung Pandang and Jum Pandang. It was built on a square plan from stone and fired clay, in a style that owed something to Portuguese fortifications.
After Gowa lost its war with the Dutch, the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667 handed the fort to the Dutch East India Company, known as the VOC. Under Admiral Cornelius Speelman, the Dutch rebuilt and strengthened it, and renamed it Fort Rotterdam after Speelman's birthplace. It became a main storage centre for spices and served as the headquarters of the Dutch military and local government until the 1930s.
Local people also called it Benteng Penyu, the turtle fort, because its plan looks like a turtle when seen from above.
Inside the fort
Behind the walls stand Dutch-style buildings with pitched red roofs. Over the years these buildings held barracks, warehouses, administrative offices and a prison. Visitors can still see the old Dutch administrative office, the prison and a room used to store cannons.
One of the buildings houses the museum, named La Galigo after an ancient text written in the Bugis language. Its displays cover Makassar's history, including its role as a centre of trade and cultural exchange, with artifacts and historical items.
The fort was restored in the 1970s. Walk the ramparts to find portions of the original walls, pass through arched entrances and look out over the courtyards.
Planning the visit
The fort stands on the waterfront along Losari Beach. From the 99-Dome Mosque, the walk takes 10 to 15 minutes. Parking is available nearby for travelers with rental cars, and the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Plan 40 to 60 minutes for the museum and the walls. Because signs inside are limited, a guide helps you understand what each building was used for. Paths can be slippery after rain, so choose shoes with good grip for the walls.
FAQ
How long do you need at Fort Rotterdam?
Plan 40 to 60 minutes to see the museum and walk the walls and ramparts.
Is there a museum inside Fort Rotterdam?
Yes. One of the buildings houses the La Galigo museum, with artifacts and displays on Makassar's history, including its role in trade and cultural exchange.
Is Fort Rotterdam suitable for children and wheelchair users?
It is listed as good for kids. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Do I need a guide at Fort Rotterdam?
A guide is recommended because signs inside are limited and a guide explains the history of each building.
How do I get to Fort Rotterdam from the 99-Dome Mosque?
It is a walk of 10 to 15 minutes. The fort is on the waterfront along Losari Beach.
