Tomb of Dato Ri Bandang

FACE of Makassar and the culture that made up to now can not be separated from the role of a clergy from Minangkabau (West Sumatera), Dato Ri Bandang. The clergy was introduced Islam religion to people of Makassar. The body of Dato Ri Bandang now lies in Makassar.

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History of Dato Ri Bandang

His original name was Abdul Makmur. He was a theologian from Minangkabau, comes precisely from Kota Tengah, Padang, West Sumatra, who arrived in Makassar in September 1605. His mission was to spread Islam religion in South Sulawesi.

Dato Ri Bandang come together with other two clergies from Minangkabau. They were Dato Sulaiman called Dato Patimang and Abdul Jawad called Dato Di Tiro. Based on the understanding of the kingdom area, this third dato spread. Dato Ri Bandang lived in Makassar. Meanwhile, Datu Patimang and Dato Di Tiro go to Bone and Luwu, the northern areas.

Only take two years for Dato Ri Bandang to interact in Makassar. In 1907, The Mangkubumi (high administrator) of Tallo, I Mallingkang Daeng Manyonri Karaeng Katangka, embraced Islam. Followed then by the 14th King of Gowa, I Mangngarangi Daeng Manrabia. Then he was called Sultan Alauddin.

On Friday, November 9, 1607, for the first time people of Tallo perform Friday pray, as well as a declaration that Islam has became the official religion of the Kingdom of Makassar (Gowa-Tallo). The mosque where the pray was held is still firmly standing. Until 1611 all of kingdoms in South Sulawesi embraced Islam.

There are three mosques associated with the presence of Dato Ri Bandang and also become historical witness of Islamization of Makassar. These are Tallo Mosque in District of Tallo, Makmur Mosque on Sulawesi Street, and Katangka Mosque on Syeh Yusuf Street.

Sources
www.kompas.com
www.republika.com