Sejarah Kerajaan Gowa Tallo, Kerajaan Maritim Islam 'Super Power' di Timur Nusantara

Summary

The Kingdom of Gowa, founded in the early 13th century, played a significant role in Southeast Asia's maritime history. It rose to prominence through political alliances, military strength, and strategic location for spice trade routes. The kingdom's transformation into an Islamic sultanate in the 17th century marked a key moment. Key historical figures like Sultan Hasanuddin resisted European colonial powers, and the Gowa-Tallo maritime culture thrived with its iconic royal ships and agricultural trade. The legacy of Gowa is preserved in its fortresses, monuments, and the enduring cultural values of its people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kingdom of Gowa had a royal fleet known as 'lesiga' used for trading spices in Ternate and Banda.
• 😀 Gowa was founded in the early 13th century as a monarchy, initially a confederation of nine kingdoms led by a gallarang, later unified under a pacalaya.
• 😀 A significant event marking the new era of the Kingdom of Gowa was a political contract between a princess, Tumanurung, and a local ruler, symbolized in a poetic agreement about unity and loyalty.
• 😀 The peak of Gowa's power occurred during the reign of Sultan Hasanuddin, marked by military conflict with the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century.
• 😀 Gowa’s historical sites, such as Fort Rotterdam (taken by VOC in 1667), Sombaopu Fort, and the Balla Lompoa Museum, are key landmarks that preserve its legacy.
• 😀 After the spread of Islam in the 17th century, Gowa transitioned to an Islamic kingdom, with royal titles influenced by Islamic terms like Sultan and Mangkubumi.
• 😀 Political marriages between the kingdoms of Gowa, Tallo, Bone, and Luwu formed a strategic alliance and strengthened regional influence in Eastern Indonesia.
• 😀 The Kingdom of Gowa became a crucial maritime hub for European traders, especially after the fall of Malacca to the Portuguese in 1511, boosting its role in the spice trade.
• 😀 Gowa’s economy was agrarian, with surplus agricultural goods being distributed through maritime trade routes, which were vital for the kingdom’s prosperity.
• 😀 The Kingdom of Gowa had a maritime culture, with royal boats like 'lambo,' 'palari,' and 'padewakang' playing a crucial role in transport and trade.
• 😀 The society of Gowa-Tallo followed a normative value system known as 'pangadakkang,' based on five moral principles, all of which were governed by the values of 'Siri Na Pacce,' emphasizing human dignity and social harmony.

Q & A

What is the historical background of the Kingdom of Gowa?

The Kingdom of Gowa was established in the early 13th century as a monarchy. It initially formed from the unification of nine smaller states, led by a gallarang, who united them into a confederation under the leadership of a pacalaya.

What significant event marked the rise of the Kingdom of Gowa?

A major natural event, as described in the lontara, marked a new chapter in the kingdom's history. A political contract, featuring the phrase 'Engkaulah angin, dan kamilah dedaunan', was formed during a conflict involving a princess, Tumanurung, who descended on the Tamalate hill.

How did the Kingdom of Gowa achieve its peak?

The peak of the Kingdom of Gowa came during the reign of the 9th King, Matanre Care, who oversaw the construction of significant fortresses. His successors, including Raja Tunipallangga Ulaweng, continued fortifying the kingdom, which culminated during the reign of Sultan Hasanuddin.

What remains from the Kingdom of Gowa that can be visited today?

Several historical sites remain from the Kingdom of Gowa, including Fort Rotterdam (taken over by the VOC in 1667), Fort Somba Opu, the Balla Lompoa Museum (built in 1936), and the royal tomb complex at Palanta, where notable figures such as Sultan Hasanuddin are buried.

How did the Kingdom of Gowa transform after the arrival of Islam?

In the 17th century, the Kingdom of Gowa transformed into an Islamic kingdom, adopting Islamic royal titles like Sultan. This transformation also saw political changes, including the strategic intermarriage between the royal families of Gowa, Bone, and Luwu.

What role did marriage play in the politics of the Kingdom of Gowa?

Marriage played a significant diplomatic role in the politics of Gowa. Following the Makassar War in 1669, the kingdoms of Gowa, Bone, and Luwu formed political alliances through royal intermarriage, strengthening their unified power.

What was the economic system of the Kingdom of Gowa?

The Kingdom of Gowa had a traditional agrarian economy, relying on surplus agricultural production. This surplus was transported via maritime routes to other islands, fostering a maritime culture and facilitating trade between various communities.

What types of ships were used by the Kingdom of Gowa for trade and defense?

The Kingdom of Gowa had royal ships known as 'lesiga' for royal use, as well as various other vessels such as 'lambo', 'palari', and 'padewakang' for maritime trade and defense purposes.

How did the Kingdom of Gowa interact with foreign traders?

The Kingdom of Gowa attracted traders from various regions, including Arabs, Indians, Gujaratis, and Malays. These interactions were strategically managed, with the VOC seeing Gowa as a prime location for monopolizing trade and political power.

What is the significance of 'Siri Na Pacce' in the social system of Gowa?

'Siri Na Pacce' represents a fundamental concept in the social structure of the Kingdom of Gowa, emphasizing personal dignity and mutual respect in the community. It was central to the kingdom's ethical system, guiding both the royal court and societal relations.