Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) which is located in Makassar, long known as the one of the best universites in Indonesia. Not only the quality of education, but also the facilities that are offered. One such building in this university is Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani.
Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani, built next to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, is one of the largest buildings in Unhas. Baruga is often used as a venue for big events, including graduation, seminars, and also student activities.
The naming of this baruga was taken from the name of an important figure who contributed greatly to the establishment of Unhas. The name Andi Pangerang Pettarani, who at that time served as Governor of South Sulawesi in the 1956-1960, was immortalized as the name of the baruga for his great contribution to the establishment of Unhas as well as respect for his services to Unhas.
In the early days of Unhas, Andi Pangerang Pettarani used his power as governor to contribute to the development of Unhas, in this case helping with building procurement.
Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani Unhas was officially opened on September 12 1991 by the fifth Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia at that time, Soedharmono and Mrs. Soedharmono pressed a button which uncovered a red cloth covering the signboard that read “Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani”. The Minister of Education and Culture Fuad Hasan and Governor of South Sulawesi HA Amiruddin and also several other important figures attended the inauguration of the baruga.
After the inauguration, the vice president and his entourage passed to the Baruga through the ranks of Unhas Scouts. At the outer door of the Baruga, an important Indonesian figure and his entourage were greeted by about thirty teenagers where they performed Ganrang Bulo.
The construction of the Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani Unhas Building was undertaken by PT Wijaya Kusuma Contractors with an area of 6,500 m² and arranged with four levels. The construction of this luxury building costed Rp 6.5 billion and is estimated to accommodate around 2,500 people.
Not only that, the building is also equipped with various facilities and amenities, such as conference rooms, recording rooms, lighting rooms, changing rooms, prayer rooms, and a stage that is wide.
Since its inception, baruga has functioned as a graduation and anniversary venue for the university. The building is also often used as a venue for movie theaters, plays, and other important events.
As time passed, Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani Unhas showed signs of damage to parts of the baruga. Of course, the damage that occurs has had negative impact on the activities that take place in the building.
For example, during the 2018 Indonesian Rectors Forum, the Baruga Andi Pangerang Pettarani courtyard was used as a dining location for invited guests.
At that time, the leaking roof of the baruga soaked the decorated courtyard and the dining table that had been arranged in such a way also became wet.
Based on the observation of a team of experts led by Rita Irmawaty from the Department of Civil Engineering Unhas, 40% to 50% of the wood in the building has rotted and the roof tiles have also worn out. The renovation of Baruga is expected to make the building more representative and provide comfort for people who are in that place.
The incident signaled that the building was due for renovation and maintenance. The renovation of the baruga building was then carried out in stages and the renovated targets were the roof, ceiling, and repainting in certain parts.
Baruga will remain one of the icons for Unhas. Hopefully the gloriouness of baruga as a university icon can be maintained like when it was officially opened.
Read the original version in Bahasa Indonesia.
Original writer: Yuan Fauzil
Translated by: Nabila Rafiqah Awaluddin & Muhammad Alif M.
