Unicode Block - Makasar

Makasar is a historical script used to write the Makassarese language of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and it was added to the Unicode standard in 2019 as part of a larger effort to preserve endangered and archival writing systems. The script, which features a characteristic angular and cursive style, is primarily known from manuscripts dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, including letters, legal documents, and literary works. It is an abugida, meaning each consonant carries an inherent vowel that can be modified with diacritical marks, and it lacks separate symbols for final consonants, which are instead implied or omitted. The block’s inclusion ensures digital encoding and modern typography support for researchers, linguists, and communities interested in this unique cultural heritage.