THE BUGIS OF SOUTH SULAWESI

The people of Bugis-Makassar is the residents of South Sulawesi ( Celebes ) covers an area around 100.457 square kilo meters, with total population around 5.600.000. This people is famous for their expert in sailing on the deep ocean. As a sailor they have spreaded over many areas of Indonesia such as North Sumatera, Malaysia, Kalimantan, Java, Bali, Maluku, Sumbawa, and West Flores.

Their house is built on wooden poles so it is a high house. Basically there are 2 types: a type of feudal house and the other is common people house. Although they are Moslem but during house construction theymake some ceremonies according to the local belief.

Basic economic activity in South Sulawesi is farming such as rice and corn. In the past during 19th century south Sulawesi was surplus on farming products and sea products, so it can be exported to other part of Indonesia, even China for their Holothurioidea ( sea stars fish ). People of South Sulawesi is famous for their sea exploration as a sailors to catch fish and transport products by sea with sailing boat up to Philippine, West Papua New Guinea, and even Australia. Until today most of traditional cargo boats in Indonesia re navigated by people from South Sulawesi.

Ninety percent of the population is Moslem, and 10% Christian and others. Moslem was started in 17th century. However local tradition before was still alive such as concept of organization and life ethic wich all now incorporated into Moslem. Other tradition is relected in a book written in the past such as the ar of La Galigo story.

In South Sulawesi there is one a famous tourism object located on Northern area of the province. But this area is belong to Toraja Culture, with the residents of Central Sulawesi. The Torajan speak different dialect from Bugis-Makassar. The area is 325 kilo meters away from the capital city of Bugis-Makassar that is Makassar city, and with driving takes around 7 to 8 hours. The tradition of Toraja is very deeply ritualistic and a an excessive co-operation among their members due to their heavy burden of rituals, although most of them are already Christian and Moslem

Read Other Ethnic Group :
Aceh People Culture
Ambon Archipelagou Culture
Balinese Culture
Batak Ethnic Culture
Bugis People Culture
Indonesia Chinese Culture
Dayak Interland Culture
Flores Island Culture
Javanese Culture
Mentawai Island Culture
Minahasa People Culture
Minangkabau People Culture
Nias People Culture
Sundanese Culture
Timor People Culture
The West Papuan Tribes

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