Fort Rotterdam | Makassar

Fort Rotterdam is a 17th-century Dutch fort located in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is situated on the western coast of the Makassar peninsula.

Visual Characteristics

The fort is constructed primarily from volcanic stone, with walls reaching approximately 10 meters in height. Its architectural style is a blend of Dutch colonial and traditional Bugis-Makassar influences, featuring bastions and a pentagonal layout. The exterior walls are weathered grey stone, with some sections showing signs of repair and repainting in off-white. The interior courtyards are paved with stone and feature several historical buildings.

Location & Access Logistics

Fort Rotterdam is located at Jalan Ujung Pandang No.1, approximately 1.5 kilometers west of Makassar's city center. Access is via Jalan Somba Opu, which connects directly to the fort's main entrance. Public parking is available within the fort grounds, with capacity for approximately 50 vehicles. Several local TransMamminasata bus routes serve the area, with stops within a 5-minute walk of the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Fort Rotterdam began in 1634 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) under Governor General Cornelis van der Lijn, replacing an earlier Makassarese fort. It was originally named Fort Schoonhoven and later renamed Fort Rotterdam in honor of the Dutch city. Its primary purpose was to serve as a Dutch military and administrative center in the region, controlling trade routes.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the fort's ramparts, providing views of the harbor. The Museum La Galigo, located within the fort, houses artifacts related to South Sulawesi's history and culture. Guided tours of the fort are available daily, departing from the main entrance at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Photography is permitted throughout the site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located near the museum entrance. Shaded areas are available within the museum building and under some of the larger trees in the courtyards. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally consistent within the fort. Food vendors are not present within the fort itself, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located along Jalan Somba Opu, a short walk from the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, or 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, to avoid harsh midday sun. The dry season, from April to October, offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower humidity and less rainfall. High tide does not impact access to the fort.

Facts & Legends

Fort Rotterdam is believed to be the site where the legendary Bugis prince, Sultan Hasanuddin, signed the Treaty of Bongaya in 1667, ceding control of Makassar to the VOC. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the original Dutch inscriptions on some of the older stone structures, which are often overlooked.

Nearby Landmarks

• Museum La Galigo (within Fort Rotterdam)
• Paotere Harbor (0.8km Northwest)
• Makassar City Hall (1.2km East)
• Sultan Alauddin Grand Mosque (2.5km Southeast)
• Losari Beach (1.8km Southwest)