--- title: "Parepare" type: "AdministrativeArea" lang: "en" canonical: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/parepare" html_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/parepare" province: "South Sulawesi" province_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/provinsi/south-sulawesi" area_km2: 87.71 is_coastal: false neighbor_count: 4 rarity: "Rare" aliases: ["Kota Parepare", "Pare Pare", "Parepare, Sulawesi Selatan"] wikidata: "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14636" published: "2026-01-22T03:59:45.182522+00:00" publisher: "GeoKepo" license: "Editorial content © GeoKepo. Cite the canonical URL." --- # Parepare ## History ### History and Development of Parepare City: The Trade Gateway of South Sulawesi **Origins and Kingdom Era** Parepare City, located on the west coast of the South Sulawesi peninsula, has historical roots deeply intertwined with local confederations of kingdoms. The name "Parepare" etymologically originates from an expression by the King of Gowa, who was impressed upon seeing the natural harbor in this area and exclaimed, *"Bajiki Ni Pare"*, meaning "this harbor is well-made." Historically, this area of 87.71 km² was a strategic meeting point between the Kingdom of Bone, the Kingdom of Sawitto (Pinrang), the Kingdom of Rappang (Sidenreng Rappang), and the Kingdom of Barru. As a central region connecting the mainland with sea routes, Parepare developed as a port for collecting agricultural produce from the interior of Ajatappareng. **Dutch Colonial Era** The presence of a calm and deep harbor greatly interested the Dutch East Indies Government. In the early 20th century, after the signing of the *Korte Verklaring* (Short Declaration), the Dutch began to develop Parepare as an administrative and economic center in the northern region of South Sulawesi. The Dutch built the city's infrastructure in a *raster* pattern, which is still visible today in the harbor area. Parepare became the seat of an Assistant Resident overseeing the Afdeling Parepare region. During this period, the city transformed into a major export point for copra and rice commodities, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Sulawesi besides Makassar. **Era of the Independence Struggle** Entering the era of the independence struggle, Parepare witnessed the tenacity of local fighters against Dutch military aggression. Figures like Andi Makkasau played crucial roles in mobilizing the people against the NICA occupation through struggle militia organizations. Heroic events occurred when Dutch troops under the command of Raymond Westerling conducted military operations in this area; however, the spirit of the people's resistance remained ablaze. In the early period of independence, Parepare was designated as a Municipality based on Law Number 29 of 1959, solidifying its status as an independent political entity under South Sulawesi Province. **Cultural Heritage and National Figures** One of the most proud historical facts is Parepare's position as the birthplace of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ing. B.J. Habibie, on June 25, 1936. This emotional connection is immortalized through the Monumen Cinta Sejati Habibie-Ainun (Habibie-Ainun True Love Monument) in the city center. Culturally, Parepare is a melting pot of Bugis ethnicities who hold firm to the philosophy of *Siri’ na Pesse*. A strong maritime tradition is reflected in the stilt house architecture along the coast and the preservation of local wisdom values in trade. **Modern Development and Strategic Significance** Today, Parepare is growing into a modern service and trade city. Despite bordering four main regions—Pinrang to the north, Sidrap to the east, and Barru to the south—the city maintains its identity as the "Madani Port City." Infrastructure development such as the Nusantara Port and the Makassar-Parepare Railway Station marks a new chapter in the city's history as a major logistics hub in Central Indonesia, massively connecting the Sulawesi mainland with Kalimantan and the eastern regions of Indonesia. ## PART 1: CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS - The Dynamics of Parepare, a Port City Parepare presents an interesting spatial anomaly within the landscape of South Sulawesi. With an area of only 87.71 km², it is one of the smallest administrative entities in a province where the average regency area is 4,600 km². However, this land limitation has created an exceptionally high concentration of economic activity. If the average population density of the province is 170 people/km², Parepare operates at a much higher frequency. This indicates a transformation from an agricultural region to an efficient urban center, where every inch of land holds significant economic value. Economically, although South Sulawesi is dominated by the agricultural sector, Parepare positions itself as a 'distribution gateway.' As a service and trade city, it functions as a hub connecting commodities from the interior of Sulawesi to global markets through its port. This is a crucial regional symbiosis; without Parepare's logistical efficiency, agricultural produce from surrounding areas would struggle to achieve optimal economies of scale. In terms of tourism, where South Sulawesi ranks ninth nationally, Parepare is often seen as a transit city for tourists heading to Tana Toraja. However, the status of a 'hidden gem' is more fitting. Parepare is not just a stopover but a destination offering unique historical narratives and coastal landscapes. The challenge is to shift public perception from merely a port city to an independent urban tourist destination, leveraging its strategic geographical position on the West Sulawesi transit route. ## PART 2: CURATOR'S PERSPECTIVE - A City of Love by the Coast When researching Parepare, one fact that stands out is how the identity of a small city can be so strongly shaped by the romantic narrative of one prominent figure, B.J. Habibie. For a geography curator, it is rare to find a region whose spatial transformation is so influenced by the collective memory of its native son, creating such an iconic visual identity. Parepare has successfully blended the harsh technical function of a port city with a humanistic touch through the construction of the Monumen Cinta Sejati Habibie-Ainun (Habibie-Ainun True Love Monument). This is not just a city ornament; it is a brilliant 'place-making' strategy. The fact that Parepare is the birthplace of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia gives it an emotional dimension that no other city in South Sulawesi possesses. Amidst the hustle and bustle of maritime trade, this city offers a pause in the form of narratives of intellect and loyalty. To me, this shows that geography is not just about coordinates and landscapes, but about how human history breathes life into a location. Parepare proves that a small city can have significant cultural gravity if it consistently celebrates its roots. ## PART 3: GEOKEPO KNOWLEDGE HUB Explore the richness of South Sulawesi and key points in Parepare further through our curated content below: **3 Regions in South Sulawesi for Further Exploration:** 1. **Tana Toraja:** Delve into the cultural geography and world-renowned vernacular architecture of the highlands. 2. **Selayar Islands:** Explore marine biodiversity and coastal charm at the southern tip of the peninsula. 3. **Maros Regency:** Learn about the second-largest karst landscape in the world and prehistoric traces in Leang-Leang. **2 Popular POI (Point of Interest) Categories in Parepare:** 1. **Historical Tourism & City Icons:** Focus on sites related to B.J. Habibie's childhood and memorial monuments that serve as city landmarks. 2. **Coastal & Culinary Tourism:** Explore the Tonrangeng Riverside area and seafood culinary centers that leverage the city's position on the shores of Parepare Bay. Save these coordinates and keep updating your geographical insights only at GeoKepo!