Where did the macassans come from?

The Macassans were seafarers from the coastal region of Makassar in Sulawesi, Indonesia. They were known for their trade networks and interactions with Aboriginal Australians, particularly in the Northern Territory, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Macassans primarily traveled to Australia for trepang (beche-de-mer) fishing and established seasonal camps along the northern coast. Their interactions significantly influenced the local Aboriginal cultures and economies.