Arung Singkang (1700-1765): How the Victory of Wadjo' Began

One of the most colorful figures in the history of Southwest Celebes is the man who was elected Chief King of the Buginese state of Wadjo' in 1737 and remained in this office until 1754.2 His personal name was La Ma'dukelleng and his title is usually given as Arung (i.e., Prince of) Singkang, though he is also called Sultan of Pasir and Arung Peneki. He was probably born about 1700 and was of noble Wadjorese descent. When still a young man he was forced to flee his country, and he went to the east coast of Borneo, where there were already many Buginese settlers. Little is known about him during this time. He engaged in many activities and became known as a leader. He assembled a group of dedicated followers who manned his fleet of warships and in 1726 he conquered the towns of Kutai and Pasir. In 1737 he reappeared in Wadjo' with his own ships and troops and succeeded in rallying Wadjo' in a successful war against the mighty neighboring state of Bone. Within a few years he was able to bring most of the other Buginese states to his side, and in February 1739 an allied army under his command marched to Makasar with the avowed purpose of attacking the Dutch fort there.