The Legacy

Abstract

On 18th April at midday a delegation consisting of six of the most prominent Aruppitu of Bone and the Bontoala regent Güllarüng Sancerrü’ came to Fort Rotterdam. It informed Governor van Thije that the Aruppitu had elected La Patau as Arumpone in conformity with the wishes of their late ruler, Arung Palakka. Van Thije acknowledged the announcement and told the delegation he would inform Batavia so that approval could be granted. This reply was received coldly, and the spokesman for the delegation said tersely: “We had not, come to consult about the matter of the election, but merely to inform you of it.” Van Thije recognized the futility and even danger of attempting to thwart the choice of the Bone Aruppitu, and so he and the Dutch Council in Fort Rotterdam gave their approval to the election. Since they had counter manded a direct order from Batavia dated 29 February 1696 to seek its approval for the election of a new Arumpone, they told Batavia of their decision with the following explanation:

... the Company, as a result of its treaties, especially that of Bungaya, is no more than one ally, although it is considered the head, and is not empowered nor qualified to vote for a king, even less to disapprove of an election — and especially this one (KA 1469a:58–62).