Makassar

Who are the Makassar?

The Makassar are an Austronesian people whose homeland is the southern peninsula of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Their identity is shaped by a strong maritime tradition, rice farming, and a social code called siri, which emphasizes respect and honor. They are closely related to the Bugis and other South Sulawesi groups. Their culture is marked by distinctive boat-building, cuisine, and a history of long-distance trade and migration. The Makassar diaspora extends across Indonesia and into parts of the Indian Ocean and Australia.

Where do the Makassar live?

Makassar people are native to the southern coastal regions of Sulawesi, a large island in eastern Indonesia. Their homeland includes fertile lowlands and coastal areas around the city of Makassar, with access to the Makassar Strait. The region is well-suited for rice cultivation and maritime activities. Over time, Makassar communities have also settled in other Indonesian islands and in coastal regions as far as Madagascar and northern Australia.

What language do the Makassar speak?

Makassarese (Basa Mangkasara) is the main language of the Makassar people and belongs to the South Sulawesi branch of the Austronesian family. Makassar Malay, a Malay-based creole, is widely used in trade and daily life, especially in urban and coastal areas. Indonesian is also commonly spoken. Makassarese remains strong in rural areas, though urbanization and migration have increased the use of Indonesian and Makassar Malay.

How do the Makassar live?

Traditionally, Makassar people are rice farmers, but they are also renowned for their skills in fishing, trading, and boat-building. The Phinisi, a traditional sailing vessel, is a joint Bugis-Makassar creation and is recognized by UNESCO. Makassar fishers and traders historically harvested and processed sea cucumbers (trepang), exporting them as far as China and Australia. Division of labor is gendered, with men working outside and women managing the household. Coastal and island communities may also engage in crafts and wage labor.

How is Makassar society organised?

Makassar society is organized around families and a code of honor called siri. The husband is considered the head of the family, and arranged marriages are common in rural areas. Polygamy is accepted but mostly practiced by the wealthy, as each wife must have her own house. Social life is marked by mutual assistance, especially in farming and house-building. Offenses against siri can lead to serious conflict, and traditional authority often prevails in such matters.

What do the Makassar believe?

Islam has been the main religion since the late 16th century, following the conversion of the Gowa kingdom. Earlier, ancestral beliefs and practices were common. Religious life is shaped by Islamic customs, but elements of older traditions persist in rituals and ceremonies. Traditional dress and music are important in cultural events, and Makassar cuisine is widely known in Indonesia.

The history of the Makassar

The Makassar trace their roots to the southern coast of Sulawesi and have a long history of seafaring and trade. The Kingdom of Gowa (14th–17th centuries) was a major Islamic power with a strong navy, trading with other Indonesian kingdoms and foreign powers like the Portuguese. Makassar sailors reached as far as Australia, South Africa, and Madagascar. Their trepang trade with Aboriginal Australians began by at least the 18th century and may have started earlier. Colonial pressures and trade restrictions in the 19th century reduced their maritime activities.

Makassar life today

Today, the Makassar number about 2.8 million, mostly in South Sulawesi but also in other Indonesian regions and overseas. They continue to farm, fish, and work in trade, with many also engaged in wage labor. Their language and traditions remain strong, though urbanization and migration have brought change. The Phinisi boat and Makassar cuisine are recognized symbols of their heritage. Makassar communities abroad maintain cultural ties to their homeland.

Questions people ask about the Makassar

Sources and further reading

• Makassar people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Makassar themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.