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SOUTHEAST SULAWESI LAND BY THE SEA The province of Southeast Sulawesi lies between
longitudes 120 degrees - 124 degrees and latitudes 3 degrees
- 6 degrees, and is bounded by the Banda Sea to the east,
the Flores Sea to the South, South Sulawesi or the North and
Bone Bay to the west. Southeast Sulawesi, or Sulawesi
Tenggara, or Sultra, has a tropical climate with average
temperatures ranging from 25 degrees celsius. Southeast Sulawesi is a mountainous area with islands to
its east. This province consists of four regencies and two
townships. Two regencies and one township are on the
mainland, while the other two regencies and one other
township are on the islands. Many rivers flow through the province. Some of them are
vital sources of clean water for the towns. Among the most
important rivers are the Sampara, Labandia, Lasolo and
Lalindu. Southeast Sulawesi occupies an area of 38,140 square
kilometers inhabited by more than two million people, most
of them Moslems. The capital of southeast Sulawesi, Kendari
, is located on Kendari Bay, and it can be reached by air or
sea. The territory of Southeast Sulawesi consists geographical
of two parts, the mainland, or the southwest Peninsula of
Sulawesi, and the islands to the southeast. These islands
are normally called the Wakatobis Island which is short for
Wangiwangi, Kaledupa, Tomina, and Binongko, which are part
of the regency of Buton. The group was in the past known as the Tukang Besi
Island, a name inspired by the skill of the people of these
island as ironsmiths - their main source of income. Another
major source of livelihood is the sea. The people of the Wakatobi Islands have, since the days
of their ancestors sailed as far as Banda, Arafura and
Flores Seas, and even the Australian continent and the
Southeast Asian mainland. They sail in traditional sailboats
called lambo, which is smaller than the phinisi boats of the
Makasar - Bugis sailors of southeast Sulawesi. The people of Wakatobi are proud of their seafaring
tradition. Beside being famous as sailors, however, they are also
known as expert bomb defusers. Apparently, many Allied bombs dropped in the area during
World War II did not explode or fell into the sea. So, the
people of Wakatobi learned to defuse them
On Muna Island, red ochre paintings of horses were found on a white rocky stone. Possibly, they were relics of prehistoric civilization once existing in these parts. Unfortunately, the mystery remained unsolved.
Later came the people of Talon from the northern parts of Sulawesi, who are supposed to be related to the peoples of the Matana and Towuti lake areas, including the Mori of Central Sulawesi. From there, they wandered to the Southeast, settling in the areas around Kolaka and Kendari.
The area of Buton, has since long been the homeland of the Miana Wolio people. At the end of the 13th century, this area was presumably visited by four people, named Sipanjonga, Sitamanoja, Simalui, and Sijawangkati, along with Sibatara and the princes of Wakaa-kaa. The first four were named Mia Patamiana . They landed on Kalampa Island.
Sipanjonga and Simalui came from Johor. Then they dispersed and stayed in the surroundings of what is now Bau-Bau. Sipanjonga married the younger sister of Simalui, whose names was Sibaana. Their descendants are the Wolio people, and Bau-bau became the seat of the Buton Kingdom.
The Muna people are believed to be descendants of sailors from Sawerigading , in Luwu, South Sulawesi, who drifted ashore. They stayed there and became the native people, know as the Wamelai.
Another version has it that the son of king of Majapahit, named Zulzaman, was found under supranatural conditions in a piece of bamboo, by La Balano. Zulzaman then married the daughter of the king of Luwu. Their descendants became the first king of Muna.
Apart of those three tribes mentioned, there are also new settlers such as the Bugis, Makasarese, Sangihe, Ambonese, Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese and Torajans.
At around the 16th century, this area had already absorbed influences from outside through contacts with others. These influences express themselves in the arts and customs of Kendari. The central philosophy is one of harmony prevails in social life, and violence is rare. Everything is done with moderation.
During the era of the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) in Indonesia, Buton was already known as a transit harbor for trading ships belonging to the VOC, Gowa, Bone and Ternate. Unfortunately, greed in trade disrupted the peace on the island, and conflicts erupted, not only between the indigenous people and the newcomers, but also among the local people themselves.
Islam came to southeast Sulawesi in about the 16th century, though Bugis, Arab, Ternate, Tidore and Malay merchants. Famous Malaya religious leaders were Abdul Wahid and Imam Pase .
A future spread was achieved through the proselyzing efforts of the king of Luwu in the 17th century, and the Bugis in the 19th.
Christianity, especially Protestantism was brought by European missionaries in 1915. The best remembered among them was Hendrik van der Klift. In 1917 he had moved his mission from Kolaka to Moware and was accepted by the Tolaki people.
As the provincial capital, Kendari has a rather big seaport. The bay of Kendari and Staring a busy waters. air transport is maintained through Wolter Monginsidi Airport.
Kendari is famous for its silverwares. The work of the silver craftsmen of Kendari is famous for its refinement and finesse.
Places of interest to be visited in Kendari and surrounding are :
Maya Ria, a swimming pool located three kilometers from Kendari, in Kasi Lampe village .
Toronipa Wildlife Reserve, around 10 kilometers from Kendari , which has deer and anoa among its wildlife population. Not far from the reserve, is the pleasant beach of Toronipa.
Batu gong, in Soropia, is located about 20 kilometers from Kendari. It is an enchanting, white and sandy beach. Many people spend their holidays there.
At a distance of 50 kilometers from Kendari is a cotton plantation, in Lainea, near Lahia Bay. In Iwoikula, there is the Puriala hot-water, spring and pool, in Lambunya, about 100 kilometers away from Kendari.
Toreo, is historical spot in a small town called Unaaha, about 70 kilometers from Kendari. Other historical places are Kubu Unaaha and Molo Bungga Due.
A pool called Anawai is found in Sampera, 25 kilometers from Kendari. About two kilometers from Sampera there is place of Tiroa, which is of historic interest.
Kompa Cape is 45 miles from Kendari. It is very well-known as a gathering place of birds. It is located in Lasolo, an area on Wowonii Island. Twenty miles from Kendari is the island of Sopomda. On this island in Seropia, the birds are protected.
Aopa Swamp is a wildlife reserve, protected by law. Small deer, anoa, rangkong birds, black herons, maleo and typical Sulawesi black crested monkeys, live here. The reserve is about 70 kilometers from Kendari, and occupies and area of 120.000 hectares.
Pulau Burung is 10 miles from Kendari, and can be reached by motorboat. This is an enjoyable place for birdwatching.
Nature Reserve for Maleo Birds
Watumohae Mountain is a recreation and hunting park. It is 125 kilometers from Kendari and occupies an area of 50,000 hectares. This park is inhabited by plenty of deer. Meanwhile, at one end of the province, there is another Nature Reserve For Maleo Birds.
At the northern end are two islands that mark the boundary between the provinces of Southeast and Central Sulawesi . They are Labengke and Bahulu, in Dalam and Lasolo Bays, respectively.
Opposite of Kendari, about 20 miles away, is Wawonii Island, which can be reached by motorboat. north of the island of Manui.
Bokori Island is really close to Kendari. It lies at the mouth of Kendari Bay and is clearly visible from the hills surrounding Kendari.
The capital of a regency, Kolaka lies in front of Mekongga Bay, 110 kilometers from Kendari. There is a transit harbor for interinsular shipping. Ten miles from this harbor is the island Padamarang.
Places to visit include : The Kayu Kuku Nature Reserve, 10 kilometers from Kolaka. There is a hot water pool called Mangolo Wundulako, which is near the Pomalaa nickel mine, 25 kilometers from Kolaka.
Lokai Cave is in the regency of Kolaka, about 100 kilometers from the town. Inside the cave is a grave with a footprint on an old tombstone.
The regency of Muna covers the islands Muna and Kabaena. The capital is Raha, on Muna Island. There are many people on this island, as well as good roads. The area grows cashew nuts and pineapples.
The main attraction is the Horse Fight. Horse fighting is a game of the gentry of Southeast Sulawesi. Two male horses are made to fight each other over a mare. Horse fights can be seen in Katobo, Lawa and Kabawo.
Raha is a rather big town and has only one road stretching from west to east. The harbor is 800 meters from the center of town. Bicycle taxis (becak) are the most convenient means of transport, but are rather small.
Ships depart Kendari harbor daily for Muna. The trip takes eight hours. There are also two weekly flights. The Muna airstrip can serve only small aircraft, however. The people of Raha are mostly Moslems
Kawite-wite is coastal settlement on Muna Island. The building style is unique. Houses are built on platforms to prevent them from being flooded. Fishing is the main source of livelihood. The catch is sold in other villages nearby. Here live plenty of Bugis people.
Tungkuno is district on Muna which produces the biggest harvest of cashew nuts of all the villages on Muna. Green cashew nut trees grow along the road to the village. People also occasionally plant corn.
Pasikuta is a village on the Spelman Strait. Previously the island was no more than sand bank. Fishermen used it for overnight stops upon returning from the sea. An old fishermen built a house on this sandy island, and his example was followed by others.
Today, Pasikuta has become a really enjoyable place. The sea water is crystal clear, the beach is covered with white sand. Its sea water invites one to swim.
Tapi-tapi is a settlement over the water with shacks that are raised on high poles and built from corals.
Every five years the people replace the wooden pillars of their houses, which is done during low tide. From Pasikuta, this unique settlement can be reached within two hours by motorboat. The majority of the people are Moslems.
Katombu is a ceremony of thanksgiving to the Almighty God, held by the people of Muna after the corn harvest. Normally it is held in the middle of February. All sorts of corn dishes are served during the feast.
The original Muna meal is Katombu, scraped corn wrapped within corn leaf, called Katombu. Many of the younger people come the feast to meet possible partners.
Muna has a very well known dance called Linda . Originally meant to lull infants asleep, the dance nowadays is performed by women of marriageable age.
Other popular traditional dances are mangaru , which is danced by old men, kaleoga, bosu, galangi, kenta-kenta, horani and lariyang.
Two days before the marriage ceremony, the bride is locked up in a room. A mattress is rolled out on the floor and covered with a mosquito net. Food is brought to her.
On the second day, the girl begins to cry. If she does not she will be pinched or beaten until she does. The wedding ceremony takes place the next day. The bridegroom is fetched by the family members of the girl's side, led and accompanied by an iman (Islamic priest). When the couple meets, the two will not be immediately introduced to each other. The imam arranges everything, while the bridegroom follows his instructions.
The ceremony is initiated with bersija , that is, the reading of koran. Then the bridegroom gives the oath, the thumb of his right hand touching that of the imam. This is repeated later between the groom and bride. Their little fingers interlocked, they are led by the bride's mother to the bridal platform, made of a divan decorated with colored cloths.
The event lasts the whole day, solemnized by a few dances. the unique thing is the fact that the bride is expected to look sad and morose.
Raha
Hunting and horse riding are popular in Katobu, Lawa, Kabawo, and Toworo. The usual prey is deer, cows and buffaloes. Horse fighting is only found in Raha.
In Napabalano (Muna Island), there is a nature reserve named Kayu Jati.
Eight kilometers fram raha is Batu Berukir (Carved Stone), historical site. Another one is Tampuna Laiworu, a historical place site with inscribed stones and fossilized human skulls.
Saungkoghito, eight kilometers from Raha, has a horse-racing arena.
Batu Tulis is is about 12 kilometers from Raha. At a distance of 15 kilometers from Raha is Kontu Dopi, a place where a traditional ceremony is held each year. There are some old graves.
Motonuno lake is 15 kilometers from Raha. At the lake-side are plenty of small boats, including some that are equipped with engines.
Not far from Motonuno lake, about 17 kilometers from Raha, there is the Napabale Lake . It has a natural tunnel which leads from the lakeside to the sea. The views are admirable.
An old mosque exists in Tongkuno, about 24 kilometers from Raha.
The Sawerigading Boat is a stone shaped like a boat. It is found about 25 kilometers from Raha. As it is said to have once been a real boat that was swept to the shore during a voyage from Tanjung Biru, near Bulukumba.
In Kalensusu, about 60 miles from Raha, is an old fort named Lipu.
Kabaena Island lies at the southern peninsula of Sulawesi, from which it is separated by the Kabaena Strait. The island lies exactly to the west of Muna Island, 15 miles away, on the Muna Strait. The island is hilly and offers many wonderful panoramas.
Mount Sambapolulu is 1370 meters high . The view across the mountains and the ocean is beautiful. Villages in the vicinity are : Dongkala, Teomokole and Sikeli.
Also beautiful is Cape Kuku. With little villages dotting the surruondings, it looks like a guardian watching the sea lanes to the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago.
Known as a producer of asphalt is Buton Island or Butung. Bau-bau, on Buton Island, is the capital of the Buton regency. A part of Muna Island also belongs to this regency.
To reach Buton island, located next to Muna, one can travel by either boat or aircraft. All ships traveling from Kendari to Raha will call into Bau-bau.
An alternative is to depart from Lombe on Muna island. In only 60 minutes by motorboat one will reach Buton.
Many relics of the Portuguese presence in the past are found on Buton Island. This island was the longest lasting IslamicSultanate in Indonesia (1542to1960). Relics can still be seen here.
The Buton culture expresses itself in the traditional houses of the nobility (laode). Remainders are still left in Bau-bau and Buton.
Buton traditional houses are imitations of the palace of the Sultan of Buton and are called badia Characteristically, it has three to four stages. There is dragon figure on the roof, which symbolizes the gratness of the Buton kingdom. The pineapple is the symbol of kingdom, and is also always oresent as an ornament.
A badia house has five pillars in the front.
At the back, there are four pillars called arie. The main pillar in the middle is called tutumbu. All of the pillars are square. The houses of commoners have cylindrical pillars.
The social status of a a person is measured by the number of pillars in his house. The Sultan's residence had eight pillar. Those of his family members, only six.
Bau-bau is bigger and more crowded than Kendari. It was once the provincial capital city of Southeast Sulawesi. Bau-bau's harbor is visited by ships coming from Sulawesi, Maluku, or Java. Buton ashalt is exported overseas.
The Buton Royal Palace is found a little outside Bau-bau.
The Tukang Besi Islands
Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binangko
The name Tukang Besi Island is the one usually used by map makers. However, it is popularly known by the name Wakatobi, a contraction of Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Topmia and Binangko, the five islands of the group. These are rocky islands bordering the Banda and Flores seas. Many centuries ago, navigators from these islands used to sail in their Lambo boats, to places as far as Australia and mainland southeast Asia.
The people of Buton tend to be strong of characters, brave and tend to be adventurous.
The Tukang Besi Islands are beautiful.
Bau-bau
Places of interest include:
Kotana village in Walio, three kilometers from Bau-bau. Walio is a fort at the Buton royal palace complex.
Kamali Badia is known as the palace of the 38th Sultan. It is located in Badia, about four kilometers from Bau-bau.
Batu Iburi is an inscribed stone, found on Kabaena Island, 140 kilometers away from Bau-bau.
Rongi is a fortification found at Sampo Lawa, about 32 kilometers from Bau-bau, near a bay facing the Flores sea. Surawolio is another fort, located in the Surawolio region, about three kilometers from Bau-bau.
Another attraction is Tirta Pimba, a waterfall in Kokalukuna region, about five kilometers from Bau-bau.
Nirwana Beach is an attractive recreation beach located about 12 kilometers from Bau-bau.
The pleasant beach of Bone Oge is found in Gu, 90 kilometers from Bau-bau.
Siumpu Island.
There is an orange plantation on this island, growing the sweet fruits for which the island is known. it can be reached from Bau-bau over land up to Bautauga or Masiri village, then crossing the strait by small motorboat. One could also make a stop at Kadatuang Island, which has a nice beach. Many nickel mines operate in Panabungi.
Kawikawia Island is a bird haven. Thousands of birds nest there. Living along the coast are many turtles.
Rattan plaitwork, hand-printed batik, paintings, carvings, hand-woven textiles.
See the archipelaGo listings for more information.
c u l t u r e
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