The Beginning of the Pre-Islamic Gowa-Tallo Kingdom & List of Kings

The Gowa-Tallo Sultanate is a kingdom located in South Sulawesi and based in Makassar. Its strategic position makes this kingdom territory one of the most important shipping routes and trade centers in the archipelago in history.

Quoted from Soedjipto Abimanyu in the Most Complete Book of the Wisdom of the Kings of the Archipelago (2014), the Kingdom of Gowa and the Kingdom of Tallo - which were separated and hostile - formed an association in 1528 and experienced times of success.

Since the beginning of the 17th century AD, the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom has officially become an Islamic kingdom or sultanate. I Mangarangi Daeng Manrabbia (1593-1639) became the first Gowa-Tallo ruler who converted to Islam and then wore the title of Sultan Alauddin I.

Before becoming an Islamic kingdom or sultanate, the people of Gowa and Tallo embraced the belief of animism or belief in ancestors called To Manurung.

Early History of the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom

The origin of the name Gowa has been known since 1320, that is since the era of the reign of the first Gowa ruler named Tumanurung Bainea. The people of Makassar and Bugis are known as tough sailors.

Mattulada through the book Tracing the Footsteps of Makassar Presence in History (2011) reveals that there are 9 small states that already existed in Gowa before Tumanurung came.

They bound themselves under the auspices of Paccallaya (Chairman of the Separation Council). The 9 countries are Kasuwiang Tambolo, Lakiung, Samata, Parang-parang, Data, Agang Je'ne, Bisei, Kalling, and Sero.

Initially, they were often involved in disputes. With Paccalaya, the conflict can be suppressed. They realize that in order to live more peace it takes a leader who can unite and accommodate all interests.

Ahmad M Sewang in his book Islamization of the Gowa Kingdom: 16th Century to XVII Century (2013) mentions, they are looking for people from outside the group. Later, they met Tumanurung on Tamalate hill and made him king of the 9th state in Gowa.

Next, negotiations were held between Kasuwiang Salapa (representatives from 9 states), Tumanurung, and Paccalaya.

Quoted from Apriani Kartini's research entitled "Lontara Bilang As The Source of the Gowa Kingdom" (2014) from Alauddin Makassar State Islamic University (UIN), the following is the content of the agreement:

"Kasuwiang Salapangan said to Tumanurung: You are the one who will invite us to be our king. Tumanurung said: You are a slave to me, while I am still pounding rice, still taking water. Kasuwiang Salapanga said: While our wife did not do that, let alone the king we ruled. After that, Tumanurunga agreed to be appointed karaeng in Gowa. "

Based on the agreement, Tumanurung was crowned as the first king of the ruling dynasty of the Gowa Kingdom. His arrival was like a savior in the midst of a society that at that time was full of chaos and irregularities.

History of the Kingdom of Gowa and Tallo

The Gowa kingdom was split in two after the reign of Tonatangka Lopi on the 15th century. His two sons, Batara Gowa and Karaeng Loe ri Sero fought for the throne until a civil war broke out.

Quoted from the writings of William P. Cummings entitled "Islam, Empire and Makassarese Historiography in the Reign of Sultan Alauddin (1593-1639)" in the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies (2007), Batara Gowa defeated his brother. Karaeng Loe then descended to the mouth of the Tallo River and established a new kingdom called Tallo.

Another version says, Tonatangka Lopi did divide the territory of the Gowa Kingdom into two to be given to his two sons, Karaeng Gowa and Karaeng Loe ri Sero. There will be two kingdoms namely the Kingdom of Gowa and the Kingdom of Tallo.

These two twin kingdoms have been polemical for many years. Until finally, after 1565, Gowa and Tallo reunited with the agreement of Rua Karaeng se’re ata or two kings, a slave.

After reuniting, this kingdom was called the Kingdom of Gowa-Tallo or the Kingdom of Makassar. M.C. Ricklefs in the History of Modern Indonesia 1200-2008 (2008), revealed, there is a system of division of power, that is, the king comes from the Gowa lineage, while his prime minister comes from the Tallo line.

Towards the end of the 16th century or towards the 17th century, the Gowa Kingdom-entered the Islamic era and transformed into a sultanate. The same goes for his leader who later held the title of sultan.

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