The Meaning of Butta Salewangang

Makassar City is commonly known as Anging Mamiri City, while Maros Regency known as Butta Salewangang. The word of Butta Salewangang was started in the reign of Tumanurung. In accordance with the meaning of Tumanurung comes from Bugis Traditional language which means "the someone who comes down from the sky or from heaven" and the Bugis-Makassar ancient people believe it. They believe he is Karaeng Loe Tumanurung Ri Pakere. Who has managed to build Maros Country into physical and spiritual prosperity in a short time. He has been present in uncertain condition of society at that time, where people did not want to hear the words and commands their existing leaders, the law can not be enforced and many rules are violated. This period is called the era of "sikanre bale" or prey on each other mutually.

While there is no plants result, and continuous rain accompanied by rumbling sounds that occurred within seven days and seven nights. But suddenly a palace has appeared, standing in the middle of land in Pakere Area, by the society is often called as Saoraja. At the same time also seen a man sitting on the front of palace stairs.

After heard this news, people then came to respect. So they picked this Tumanurung be their leader and was given the title Karaeng Loe Ri Pakere. Since his leadership, the plant becomes fertile and rich results.

In Karaeng Loe Ri Pakere leadership, he always raises the kingdom existence while carrying out the people mandate. Especially to positioning Maros Kingdom as a strong region and respected. As time goes, people's life becomes peaceful, secure, physical and spiritual prosperity. Therefore this region also called as Butta Salewangang.

The meaning of  Butta Salewangang comes from Makassar Traditional Language, it consist of two words. That is Butta which means the land or area, and Salewangang which means fertile and prosperous. So the meaning of Butta Salewangang is fertile land or prosperous region. Makassar Ethnic calls Maros Kingdom as Marusu' while Bugis Ethnic calls as Maru'. And from here, the mention of Maros Regency known as Butta Salewangang. Where the Maros People is expected can live and prosperous in the fertile area.

Finally, the condition of Maros heard by neighboring countries, that is Gowa Kingdom and Bone Kingdom, and make them want to make friendship agreement with Maros Kingdom. Previously, only one kingdom in Maros and undeveloped. After Bungaya Agreement, Maros kingdom becomes as a growing kingdom and consists of several small kingdoms with total 16 kingdoms, with some local district kingdoms or traditional kingdoms. Then The Karaeng Loe Ri Pakere Government becomes famous and also listed in Lontara' Marusu'.

Now Maros has become the capital of Maros Regency, its consists of government administration composed by 14 districts and 103 villages, and has area about 1.619,12 square kilometers, with population total about 426.232 residents. Even the mention of Butta Salewangang remain attached and becomes characteristic of this regency.