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Tukangbesi |
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People Group: |
Tukangbesi |
 |
| Location: |
Indonesia |
| Population: |
130,000 |
| Religion: |
Islam |
| % Christian: |
1.00% |
| % Evangelical: |
0.00% |
| Ministry
Resources: |
One Known Church |
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Total People Group
Population: |
130,000 |
Other countries People
Group Linked to: |
None |
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Additional Information:
Who are the Tukangbesi Utara?
 The
Tukangbesi Utara (North Tukangbesi) people can be found in the
northernmost two islands of the four Tukangbesi islands in Southeast
Sulawesi Province. They are neighbors with the Wolio (Buton) and Muna
people. The Tukangbesi Utara people speak the Tukangbesi language, which
is closely related to Cia-Cia. Available information shows that their
culture is virtually the same as the Tukangbesi Selatan, but they claim
a separate identity for reasons not yet clear to researchers.The
Tukangbesi language is most commonly spoken in the Binongko and Tomea
dialects. Education is emphasized for boys and girls alike. They have a
tradition of literary skill, and this is displayed in culturally
important books and long poems. At the beginning of 15th century,
migrants from Johor, in what is now Malaysia, established the kingdom of
Buton. This kingdom included the Tukangbesi Islands and was ruled by a
raja (king). In 1540, the sixth raja converted to Islam, making him the
first sultan. His sultanate lasted until the death of the last sultan in
1960 lead to integration with the nation of Indonesia.
What are their lives like?
The Tukangbesi Utara base much of their livelihood on agriculture, since
the soil of the islands is very fertile. The main crops grown are corn,
dry rice, and cassava. Many Tukangbesi Utara are also fishermen or
boat-builders. However, since economic opportunities are lacking, many
sail to other locations. Some of these never return, and people of
Tukangbesi Utara origin live throughout much of eastern Indonesia.
Seafaring is considered men's work, along with ironworking, boat
building, brass and silver manufacturing, and most work in the fields.
Pottery, weaving, preparing meals, cleaning, and managing the family's
money are the women's primary jobs. Tukangbesi Utara houses are raised
above ground and built of sturdy planks. The roofs are made of small
planks, palm leaves, or iron, and the houses have only a few small
windows. Most villages have markets where woven silk, cotton, and other
fabrics are traded. Although parents are involved in the arrangement of
marriages, the young people are free to choose their partners. After
marriage, the couple lives with the bride's family until the husband can
build his own house. Both spouses are actively involved in caring for
their children.
What do they believe?
Most Tukangbesi Utara people are Muslims, but they still believe in
various kinds of supernatural forces. Ancestral spirits are considered
to help in some instances and bring bad luck such as illness in other
instances, depending upon the behavior of the descendant. The Tukangbesi
Utara people also have a high regard for nature, because it is God's
creation. Sufi Islamic mysticism abounds with its focus on knowing God.
Many of the Tukangbesi Utara people also believe in reincarnation
because of Hindu influence on their culture.
What are their needs?
The Tukangbesi Utara people need assistance in improving their physical
infrastructure, in areas such as electricity and clean water supplies.
They also need training in appropriate technology and better formal
education. They also need more medical clinics and medical personnel.
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