Andi Abdullah Bau Massepe

Andi Abdullah Bau Massepe was a prominent colonial Indonesian bureaucrat and revolutionary who initiated attacks against Dutch forces during the National Revolution. He was the son of Andi Mappanyukki, a rebel warrior and national hero. He was born into the influential Djajadiningrat family in Massepe, Sidenreng Rappang in 1918. He was the heir of the Sultanate of Gowa and the Bone state, as well as the ruler of Suppa, Allita, Sidenreng, Rappang, and Sawito. He received his education in Dutch schools and became fluent in Dutch, Malay, Bugis, and Arabic. He married twice and had eight children from his two wives. He was awarded several honors by the Dutch government, such as the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau and the Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. He was also active in some early nationalist organizations, such as Sudara and Sarekat Islam. He was a respected leader and a moderate reformist who advocated for more autonomy and representation for the native Indonesians. He was also a pioneer in urban planning and social welfare in Parepare, where he improved the living conditions of the poor and the marginalized. He was a close friend and ally of Mohammad Husni Thamrin, another prominent politician and nationalist. In 1936, he published his memoirs titled Herinneringen van Pangeran Aria Achmad Djajadiningrat, which contains over 37 years of his experience in public service and politics. He was one of the most influential and progressive figures in the colonial era of Indonesia. After the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, he became the commander of the TRI Hasanuddin Division I, which fought against the Dutch forces in the South Sulawesi campaign. He led several guerrilla attacks and ambushes, and managed to capture some strategic locations and weapons from the enemy. He was known for his bravery and charisma, and inspired many people to join the struggle. He was shot by Dutch forces in Suppa, Pinrang on February 2, 1947, and died shortly after. He was buried in Parepare, where he is revered as a national hero.