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