In the history of Indonesia, there have been many leaders who fought bravely against colonization and domination. Sultan Hasanuddin of Gowa, from Eastern Indonesia, was one such leader who resisted the Dutch colonial invaders and united small kingdoms to protect his people’s interests.
Sultan Hasanuddin was known for his bravery and leadership skills. He was appointed as Gowa’s minister of defense at a young age and later became the king of Gowa. Despite facing pressure from the Dutch, Sultan Hasanuddin refused to bow down to their trade monopolies and fought to protect his kingdom’s sovereignty.
Under Sultan Hasanuddin’s rule, Gowa thrived as a trading center in Nusantara, attracting the attention of various international communities. However, the Dutch’s interest in seizing control of Gowa led to conflicts and eventually the signing of the Bongaya treaty, which disadvantaged Sultan Hasanuddin and his people.
Despite his efforts to resist the Dutch, Sultan Hasanuddin faced challenges and ultimately Gowa-Tallo fell under Dutch domination after his death. The treaty signed between Gowa-Tallo and the Dutch played a significant role in the decline of the Sultanate.
Sultan Hasanuddin’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our history, learning from our predecessors, and fighting for justice and sovereignty.
