Bugis people

Bugis people are an ethnic group—the most numerous of the three major linguistic and ethnic groups of South Sulawesi, in the southwestern province of Sulawesi, third largest island of Indonesia. The Buginese language belongs to the South Sulawesi language group; other members include the Makassarese language, Torajan, Mandar and Enrekang, each being a series of dialects.

History

The Austronesian ancestors of the Bugis migrated from Taiwan and arrived in Sulawesi around 2000 BCE. They are renowned seafarers, known widely as merchants and pirates. In the precolonial era, the Bugis built an empire that included much of Sulawesi and parts of Borneo and the Maluku Islands.

Culture

The Bugis culture is centered around a bilateral kinship system, where lineage is traced through both the father and mother. This system is tied to their traditional belief system, which includes ancestor worship and the importance of maintaining good relations with the spirit world.

Religion

Most Bugis people follow Islam, but many also practice Animism, a belief in spiritual beings or forces. The Bugis recognize three genders: makkunrai (female), oroané (male), and bissu, an androgynous or transsexual role.

Economy

The Bugis are known for their advanced shipbuilding skills, and they are widely recognized as expert sailors. They are also skilled in rice farming, fishing, and the cultivation of cloves.

Language

The Buginese language is spoken by around five million people in Indonesia. It has a Latin-based script called Lontara, which is also used for the Makassarese language.

Notable Bugis

Notable Bugis people include Sultan Hasanuddin, who fought against the Dutch East India Company in the 1660s, and Jusuf Kalla, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia.

See also

• Makassar people
• Toraja people
• Sulawesi