Makassar established a port as the spice trade center and focused on maritime during the reign of the King of Gowa the 9th. It started when the central government was moved from Tamalate Hill to the estuary of Je’neberang River near a port, Somba Opu. Then, I Daeng Pamatte’ was appointed as the first harbormaster to support the effort,” said Abd Rahman Hamid. It was a starting point of the Makassar’s revival in the trade route.
Following the success of the revival foundation of Makassar and the establishment of a port as the central trade of spices and other crops, Makassar then created a Lontara script to support the trade and shipping systems. Thus, we can see the trace through the existence of the Lontara Script, map, and the emergence of the Navigation and Commercial Law.
At the time, Makassar created Lontara Script or the Makassarese script due to their need for a system to record the marine traffic activities and trades in Makassar. It gave rise to a law of the sea called Amanna Gappa.
“There were the sailing routes of Bugis, Makassar, and Mandar in various Nusantara areas until Southeast Asia. So, the law was equipped with the total rate that must be paid by anyone who used the trade boats from Makassar,” he said.
The map and the law of the sea as a significant contribution for the Spice Routes appeared due to the prominent roles of South Sulawesi sailors; the people of Makassar, Bugis, and Mandar. We can see their sailing routes through the map, from the points to the destination, which definitely were trade routes and the trace of spice routes at that time.
Again, it proved that along with the traces, the Spice Routes played an essential part in forming knowledge and contributing to our lives today.
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Source:
An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Abd Rahman Hamid M.Si (a Lecturer and Historical Researcher)
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Text & Editor: Doni Ahmadi
Translator: Dhiani Probhsowi
Image: Redaksi Jalur Rempah RI
