In the annals of Indonesia’s history, the name Ahmad Mattulada shines as a paragon of resilience, intellect, and cultural advocacy. From surviving near-execution during Westerling’s South Sulawesi massacres to becoming a venerated academic and cultural icon, Mattulada’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
At just 18, Mattulada found himself imprisoned in Bulukumba during the reign of terror orchestrated by Raymond Westerling in 1947. His prayers and a serendipitous visit by South Sulawesi Police Chief La Tippa saved him from becoming one of the countless victims of the brutal massacre. This near-death experience would become a pivotal moment in shaping his commitment to education, culture, and justice.
Mattulada was a staunch advocate for preserving the historical and cultural identity of Makassar. In 1976, he joined forces with like-minded figures to oppose renaming the city to Ujung Pandang. Through the “Makassar Petition,” Mattulada articulated the importance of safeguarding the city’s name, which he believed held profound historical and cultural significance.
“For the sake of honesty and the noble desire to uphold the integrity of Makassar’s name,” the petition declared, underscoring his commitment to heritage preservation.
Born on November 15, 1928, in Bulukumba, Mattulada inherited a blend of traditional values and religious principles, instilled by his father, a traditional leader and Muhammadiyah member. His educational journey took him from Schakel School and Islamic studies to eventually earning a doctorate in anthropology.
His career was equally diverse. Starting as a guerrilla fighter during Indonesia’s revolution, he transitioned into a police role before finding his true calling as an educator. His tenure as headmaster of prestigious schools in Makassar was marked by strict discipline and curriculum reform.
In academia, Mattulada was an innovator. His seminal work, Latoa: An Analytical Portrait of Bugis Political Anthropology, shed light on the Bugis’ unique governance systems and cultural values. As a professor and later dean at Hasanuddin University, he championed interdisciplinary approaches to education and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community.
Mattulada’s contributions extended beyond academia. His advocacy for local culture included writing extensively on Bugis history, language, and governance. He emphasized the importance of balancing tradition and modernity, urging younger generations to embrace their cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary challenges.
His works, such as To-Kaili: People and Culture in Central Sulawesi, explored how humans interact with their environment and underscored the need for ecological harmony. He also ventured into international cultural studies, authoring The Sword and the Abacus, a comparative exploration of Japanese culture and identity.
Mattulada’s accolades, including the Pioneer of Science and Technology award from President B.J. Habibie and the Cultural Merit Star, reflect the breadth of his contributions. His influence endures in institutions bearing his name, such as the library and auditorium at Hasanuddin University.
Even after retiring, he remained a fervent advocate for education and cultural preservation, participating in seminars and mentoring future generations.
Ahmad Mattulada’s life was a symphony of struggle, scholarship, and service. From the harrowing days of Westerling’s atrocities to his celebrated role as a cultural and educational luminary, he remains a beacon of inspiration for Indonesia. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring value of education, cultural preservation, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and identity.
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