Sulawesi - General Information

 

 

People and Ethnic Groups

 

The province of Southeast Sulawesi is inhabited by roughly 1,8 Mio people, meaning that the population density is very low: in 1994 it was around 58 people per square kilometer, about a quarter of the population density in Germany. Population growth is around 3,2% annually, also indicated by a large number of children, that one will encounter everywhere waving and screaming "Hello Mister". As a result, the social structure (average age) is a lot younger as compared to western industrialized countries.

Besides the Bugis and the immigrants from Bali and Java, that came in during the last years, 5 major ethnic groups live in this part of the island:

Tolaki, Morunene, Butonese, Munanese (locally called 'Wuna') and Bajau.

 

The Tolaki settle in the areas of Kendari and Kolaka.

The group of the Maronene lives in the south of Buton Island and Kabaena Island.

The Butonese form the majority on Buton Island. They split up into 15 miscellaneous subgroups.

The Munanese live on the island of Muna where they form 6 groups, that have distinct cultural habits and language.

The Bajau are seafarers, who originally lived in pile dwellings on the sea but now settle more and more at the coasts of the islands. They usually stick to their traditional way of life with many distinct ceremonies and celebrations, whereas the other groups started to make use of the benefits of modern technologies.

 

People of all ethnic groups in this region have a very open attitude and offer extreme hospitality. You can alway expect to be offered a sign of salutation together with a smile.

Since only few foreigners traveled in these areas, the native people are somewhat curious but react natural, predominantly undecayed by tourism. Frequently, you will be called up by unknown natives as you walk along the streets, inviting you to some small talk of a cup of tea or coffee. People are generally more than willing to be photographed and may actually react quite disappointed when you refuse to take a photo of them!

 

 

Religion and Public Life

 

Before the introduction of islam to eastern Sulawesi in the 16th century, most of the population had an animist religion. Animism and also Hinduism on the islands of Buton and Muna still influence the actual, predominantly muslim society. Thus, 95% of the population avow themselves as Muslim, 2% are Christian and the remaining 3% belong to other diverse religions. Together with the Adat, the appropriate tribal and family habits and code, islam determines the public life: alcohol, night life and prostitution will generally be absent. Strong family bonds substitute for the lacking governmental social security: the young and healthy always take care of the elderly.

 

In contrast to other islamic countries, you will hardly find religious fundamentalism. After some local conflicts between Christians and Muslims at the turn of the last century, all continue to live together in an atmosphere of peace and "broad" tolerance. There are no fully disguised women, and only few of them wear a veil.

Independent of their religious confession, people behave honest, decent and are very hospitable.

 

There are just a few rules that one should follow to avoid irritations and to act correctly, summarized in the following "to-dos and not-to-dos" guide:

 

The left hand is regarded as unclean, since it is used on the toilet instead of paper. One should therefore always use the right hand to greet or touch people or to eat.

 

The feet are regarded as the least clean body parts. Thus it is perceived as impolite if the sole of the foot is directed towards a person while seating.

 

Before entering a house, one should take of his shoes.

 

Beckoning by hand should be not done with the back of the hand turned downwards as usual but just the opposite way overhand.

 

For saying "hello", one offers the right hand with only a light touch - so avoid strong handshakes. Afterwards, each one moves his right hand towards the chest where the heart lies: a truly cordial way saying hello!

 

To freak out or to yell is absolutely inacceptable and will not be understood. People that loose their temper are actually loosing their face. The reaction of the indonesians will be lack of understanding and distance.

 

Arrogance is demonstrated by directly pointing to a person with the finger, by folding one's arms in front of the breast or by putting the hands on the waist.

 

In the presence of native people, one should not take off his clothes or sunbath topless.

 

Among the younger generation, some of the strict rules start to break up.

 

 

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