First Stop: The Biggest Trading Center Port of Its Time

       

(The view of Paotere Port / Photo by Pramestiiww)

        The first visitation to the largest trading center port of its time in South Sulawesi. The visitation makes the exchange students excited to go. On Friday, the third week of August, the Nusantara Module lecture accompanies students to visit Paotere Port. It is located in the north of Makassar, precisely on Jalan Sabutung Baru, Ujung Tanah, Makassar, South Sulawesi.

(Paotere Port entrance gate / Photo by Pramestiiww)

        Why is Paotere Port known as the largest trading center port of its time? The reason is, since its establishment in the 14th century, the port that was built during the reign of King Tallo 2nd—Karaeng  Same'ri Liukang (Samarluka) Daeng Marewa—has become the main trading center in South Sulawesi. There are many trading activities happen in that port. The main commodity traded is marine products that are caught by local fishermen. The other commodities are ranging from trade in agricultural products, such as rice, to plantation products, such as spices.

        Paotere Port is also became one of the evidence of the historical heritage of Gowa-Tallo Kingdom. This port became the silent witness when the Kingdom of Gowa-Tallo succeeded in dispatching a hundred phinisi ships to carry out an expedition to Malacca. In addition, Paotere Port is also evidence and witness of the relationship between local kingdoms in South Sulawesi and the Portuguese.

        Now, Paotere Port is designated as a marine tourism area by the local government. The tourists that visit this port can see a great view of many ships that are neatly moored at the wharf. Visitors can also see the beautiful view of sunset from the port. Besides that, trading activities, such as selling marine products also unloading of goods are still ongoing at this port.

References

Adminsipar. 2022. "Pelabuhan Paotere: Pusat Perniagaan Hasil Laut Dibalut Pemandangan Unik Nan Bersejarah", https://explore.makassarkota.go.id/en_gb/pelabuhan-paotere-pusat-perniagaan-hasil-laut-dibalut-pemandangan-unik-nan-bersejarah/#:~:text=Catatan%20sejarah%20menyebut%20bahwa%20pelabuhan,memerintah%20pada%20abad%20ke%2D15., retrieved at February 25 2023 at 20.30.