Back to Makassar

Back to Makassar

From Sinar

I would like to make some comments on the idea of some
university students who wants to change the name of Ujungpandang
back to "Makassar".

It is undeniable that in the 17th century the city of Makassar
was very popular among the European countries. The wish of the
students is also the wish of the community.

I come from Ujungpandang and have lived in Jakarta for one
year. It struck me oddly when I learned that a neighbor thought
that Ujungpandang is near Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.
Worse still, some people think that Ujungpandang is somewhere
near Padang, West Sumatra, possibly because the two names sound
somewhat similar.

It is ironic that many people are still confused at the use of
the name Ujungpandang despite the fact that Ujungpandang is the
largest port outside Java, and is on about the same level as
Medan, North Sumatra. These people simply know the name Makassar
better.

The solution to this problem lies in the hands of the
provincial legislators of Ujungpandang. I just cross my fingers
that they will do what is best.

A.H. HASAN

Bekasi, West Java