Makassar Strait, Maritime strait between Borneo and Sulawesi, Indonesia
The Makassar Strait is a shipping passage between Borneo and Sulawesi extending roughly 800 kilometers, with widths ranging from about 130 to 370 kilometers. It links the Celebes Sea to the Java Sea and cuts through a region with major ports along both shores.
In January 1942, a five-day naval battle took place here between allied American and Dutch warships and Japanese invasion forces attempting to secure the area. This clash marked a turning point in the region's control during World War II.
Fishing communities from the Bugis and Makassarese peoples work these waters, following maritime traditions that have been handed down through their families. Their boats and practices shape the daily rhythm of the strait.
As a major shipping route connecting Asia to Australia, the passage is well-established for vessels, with large ports including Balikpapan, Bontang, Makassar, Palu, and Parepare along the way. Visitors can observe ship traffic and port activity from various coastal viewpoints.
Beneath the strait lies the Kutei Basin, which holds extensive oil and natural gas deposits formed by heavy sedimentation over millions of years. These hidden resources underground shape the economic importance of the waters today.
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