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Sula |
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People Group: |
Sula |
 |
| Location: |
Indonesia |
| Population: |
22,000 |
| Religion: |
Islam |
| % Christian: |
0.06% |
| % Evangelical: |
0.0% |
| Ministry
Resources: |
None |
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Total People Group
Population: |
22,000 |
Other countries People
Group Linked to: |
None |
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Additional Information:
Who are the Sula?
The Sula people primarily inhabit the island of Sulabesi, part of
Mangole island, and the Sula islands of the Maluku archipelago. These
islands are located in the province of North Maluku. The provinces of
North Maluku and Maluku were created from the province of Maluku in
1999. This region, historically called the Spice Islands, is a string of
over one thousand islands scattered over the eastern portion of
Indonesia. It includes most of the islands between Sulawesi and New
Guinea, and between Timor and the Philippines. Sulabesi can be reached
relatively easily by ship or by air from Ambon.The Sula language has
three dialects. The first, Facei, is spoken in the villages on the south
side of Facei Island. The second dialect, Falahu, is spoken in the
villages of Falahu and Bega in Sulabesi, and in several communities on
the island of Mangole. The third dialect, Fangudu, is spoken in the
other villages of Sulabesi and on the eastern and western tip of the
island of Mangole. Three other languages, Kadai, Mangole, and Taliabu
are also spoken in the Sula area, and they are closely related to the
Sula language. A few migrants from South and Central Sulawesi have also
entered the Sula islands. In the distant past, the Sula archipelago was
conquered and forced under the authority of the Tidore Sultanate, and
Sulabesi became a port of call for the spice trade. Long before
Europeans knew about the existence of the "Spice Islands", tobacco from
North Maluku and nutmeg from Central Maluku were traded in Asia.With the
arrival of the Portuguese in 1511, a very long period of conflict was
inaugurated. The Dutch, who eventually won the struggle, gained enormous
profits from the spice trade until its decline at the end of the 18th
century.
What are their lives like?
 The
Sula archipelago has a tropical climate, with rainfall averaging 200-400
centimeters per year. Tropical rain forests that once covered most of
the island have now been cleared to make farmland. The Sula terrain also
includes savannahs and mangrove beaches. The Sula obtain food by
hunting, fishing, and gathering sago. Coconut trees are extensively
planted, and export commodities primarily consist of copra (dried
coconut for coconut oil), various forest crops, spices, and ocean fish.
At this time, there is a wood processing operation on the island of
Mangole.
What do they believe?
The Sula are followers of Islam. However, they practice many traditions
not orthodox under Islam, such as praying at holy places for healing and
other needs. They also believe in guardian spirits that can give help
when called upon by a dukun (shaman/healer/occultist).
What are their needs?
The Sula need assistance to progressively move the community and
surrounding areas into the modern age. In order to be more productive,
they need to be introduced to the efficient use of appropriate
technology. They suffer from a lack of employment opportunities and
quality formal and informal education. Healthcare is very limited, and
electricity and clean water are not fully available, impeding
development.
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