GOWA – The legal counsel of Andi Kumala Idjo Sombayya Ri Gowa, the 38th King of Gowa, held a press conference to deliver the will of Andi Kumala Idjo Karaeng Lembang Parang.
The will, read by Wawan Nur Rewa, acting as his legal representative, appointed his eldest son, Andi Muhammad Imam, as Pati Matarang (Crown Prince) or the 39th King of Gowa.
This announcement was made at the residence of the 38th King of Gowa on Jalan Mangka Dg Bombong, Gowa, on Friday, November 29, 2024, at approximately 4:30 PM WITA.
It was earlier reported that the 38th King of Gowa, Andi Kumala Idjo Karaeng Lembang Parang, passed away at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Central General Hospital on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 11, Tamalanrea, Makassar, due to a heart attack on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at approximately 7:21 AM WITA.
Wawan stated that his role was solely to convey the entrusted message. Upon delivering the will, he revealed that the legal power granted to him by Andi Kumala Idjo automatically expired.
“It would have been a moral burden for me not to convey this, but now that I have read the will, the legal authority I held is automatically nullified, and I consider my duties and responsibilities fulfilled. Moving forward, I have been entrusted with a new mandate to assist Andi Muhammad Imam,” Wawan explained.
Wawan, as the legal counsel of Andi Muhammad Imam, the heir to the Gowa throne, revealed that the late 38th King of Gowa had instructed in his will that his eldest son, Andi Muhammad Imam, should succeed him as the King of Gowa.
“I had to convey this will to fulfill my responsibility. Moreover, the decision was reinforced by the consensus of Bate Salapang and the Gowa royal family, who agreed to implement the will,” Wawan Nur Rewa elaborated.
He continued, “Thus, there is no room for anyone to claim the title of King of Gowa after Andi Kumala Idjo’s passing, as he directly entrusted the throne to his eldest son, Andi Muhammad Imam.”
“Like a king leaving for the battlefield, entrusting a will to be followed in case of unforeseen circumstances, this will must be carried out,” said the activist-turned-legal representative.
Wawan affirmed his commitment to safeguarding the will of Andi Kumala Idjo and ensuring the succession of Andi Muhammad Imam as Crown Prince, for the betterment of Gowa Regency, particularly the Gowa Kingdom in the future.
When asked by reporters about the possibility of a “Plt” (Acting King) for Gowa, Wawan immediately dismissed the notion.
“As far as I know, the term ‘Plt’ does not exist here because this is not a governmental structure. If anyone claims to be an Acting King, it should be questioned. From what I know, such a concept has never been part of Gowa’s history. The term ‘Plt’ has never been used,” he clarified.
He further stated that the coronation of Andi Muhammad Imam as the 39th King of Gowa has not been scheduled yet, as the royal family is still in mourning.
“During my discussions with Bate Salapang and the royal family, both last night and this morning (November 29, 2024), the reading of the will proceeded smoothly without any objections. I have handed copies of the will to them, and any differences in opinion are part of the dynamics,” Wawan added.
He also noted that the late King could not be taken down from Balla Lompoa Palace or buried unless a successor was named. Following the public acknowledgment of the Crown Prince, Andi Muhammad Imam, as the successor by the royal family and Bate Salapang, the late Andi Kumala Idjo Karaeng Lembang Parang could then be prepared for burial.
“Initially, the Crown Prince, Andi Muhammad Imam, was unaware of this will declaring him the next King. However, after I informed him, he agreed. We have entrusted the next steps to Bate Salapang,” Wawan concluded.