Makassar people

Makassar people

ᨈᨕᨘ ᨆᨀᨔᨑ Tu Mangkasaraʼ
Makassar men performing Tari Praga in their traditional costume
Total population
2,672,590 (2010 census)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Indonesia (2010 census)	2,672,590[2]
South Sulawesi	2,380,208
Southeast Sulawesi	59,301
Papua	41,239
East Kalimantan	31,701
DKI Jakarta	29,444
West Sulawesi	25,367
Malaysia	unknown (counted as part of local "Malays")
Singapore	unknown (counted as part of local "Malays")
Philippines	unknown (assimilation with Filipino Muslims)
Languages
Makassarese, Makassar Malay, Indonesian
Religion
Predominantly Islam
Related ethnic groups
Bugis, Mandar, Toraja

The Makassar or Makassarese people are an ethnic group that inhabits the southern part of the South Peninsula, Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) in Indonesia. They live around Makassar, the capital city of the province of South Sulawesi, as well as the Konjo highlands, the coastal areas, and the Selayar and Spermonde islands. They speak Makassarese, which is closely related to Buginese, and also a Malay creole called Makassar Malay.

Makassar people have a history of migration and exploration beyond their homeland in South Sulawesi. Makassar sailors were skilled navigators and traders who ventured out into the vast waters of the Indonesian archipelago and beyond. One notable area of Makassar migration was to the northern coast of Australia, particularly what is now known as the Northern Territory. They established trade relationships with the Aboriginal communities, primarily for the purpose of harvesting and processing sea cucumber. Makassar sailors also engaged in trade and exploration throughout Southeast Asia. They established trade networks, especially in the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, and Borneo. The Makassan influence can still be seen in the cultural practices and traditions of some of these regions.