Reinterpreting historical traces: the socio-political dynamics of Bugis–Makassar Society after the 17th-Century Bungaya Treaty

This study examines the historical traces and socio-political dynamics of the Bugis-Makassar community after the Makassar War which was marked by the signing of the Bungaya Treaty in the 17th century. Using a sociological, political and historical method approach that includes heuristic stages, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, this study attempts to deconstruct the dominant narrative that has so far represented a colonial perspective. The findings show that the Bungaya Treaty was not merely a peace agreement between the VOC and the Gowa Sultanate, but rather a hegemonic instrument that was systematically enforced against the kingdoms in South Sulawesi. Rejection of the contents of the agreement was responded to with military violence by the VOC which then triggered a broad socio-political transformation. Reinterpretation of the Bungaya Treaty event reveals four main dynamics; First, the collapse of the free trade system due to the VOC monopoly and the prohibition of shipping for Makassarese; Second, the strengthening of the supremacy of colonial power as stated in Article 20 of the Bungaya Treaty; Third, the Bugis-Makassar diaspora as a form of political and cultural resistance; and fourth, there was a shift in the power structure in South Sulawesi which was marked by the emergence of Bugis political dominance, especially Boné and Soppéng under the leadership of Arung Palakka. This research recommends to re-interpret the Bungaya Agreement of 1667, not as a final defeat, but as a catalyst for political transformation and cultural resilience of the Bugis-Makassar people.