TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gowa Kingdom was once a large and prosperous kingdom, holding the full power over the archipelago around the 16th to 17th century. The kingdom underwent its fast development after the King of Gowa IX Karaeng Tumapa 'risi' Kallona Daeng Matanro (1510-1546) moved the capital from the hill to the delta of Jeneberang river.
The decision turned out right because tthe kingdom had since became the largest trade center in the Archipelago. The fall of Malaka Kingdom into the Portuguese powerin 1511 was also a factor that boost development of Gowa.
The kingdom’s glory attracted Europeans who came not only for the trade but also with the desire to conquer the land. The Dutch collonial was succeed to take over monopoly of the trade in the kingdom through its infamous trading company VOC. The King of Gowa XVI Sultan Hasanuddin bowed down to the VOC through Bngayya treaty in November 18, 1667, and the Kingdom of Gowa started to experience setbacks.
The traces of the kingdom can still be seen today through the Somba Opu Fort which abandoned after Sultan Hasanuddin fled the kingdom. Balla Lampoa palace in Sungguminasa, Gowa is the other trace that was built after the glorious time of the kingdome faded.
The palace was built in 1936 by the 351st King of Gowa, Mangimangi Daeng Matutu Karaeng Bonto Nompo Sultan Muhammad Tahur Muhibuddin Tuminanga ri Sungguminasa.
The construction of the palace is similar to other traditional houses of Bugis Makassar indigenous people, in the form of elevated houses mostly made of wood. The palace is located in a large yard where people used to be excersing in the morning or afternoon. But after 2007, the lcoation is closed for public and the yard is covered with concrete for special events.
Next to Balla Lompoa palace, which turns into a museum nowadays, stand another large building that has similar structure. It is called Tamalate palace that was built in 2007 to be used as hall for many kinds of events. Balla Lompoa itslef has had a renovation to make it same height with the new building next to it.
In Makassar language, Balla Lompoa means a big house. The big house is now home to artifacts and historical objects that left from Gowa kingdom, such as carriage, flags, and the weapons owned by the kings.
Unfortunately, the palace fails to tell more about the glory of Gowa Kingdom in 16th century, as it does not provide sufficient documentation regarding the kingdom. However, for those who would like to take a glance into the kingdom’s history or taking photos in the royal attires, Balla Lompoa can be an option.
IPUL GASSING| INDONESIANA