Group 6 (3B)

TOLOTANG TRIBE

Towani Tolotang community,is one of the Bugis community groups in South

Sulawesi. They have their own beliefs and rituals outside the five recognized religions in
Indonesia. Although the government includes this group in the shade of Hinduism, but their
daily life, as well as the celebration of the big day, the Towoni community has its own
characteristics. Wearing a “songkok”. Like the Muslims. Most of this people in this
communities that do not wear footwear, settled and developed hundreds of years ago in the
old Amparita village, District Tellu Limpoe, Sidrap District. From the district capital,
Amparita is about 8 km away. While it separates from Makassar City 231 km.
This community mingle with the surrounding community. They, still assert identity
as a Bugis. The language used is Bugis. And, most of them live in agriculture environment.
Towani is, a village in Wajo County. Also in South Sulawesi. Person that brings trust Towani
Tolotang was a woman, Ipabbere. The Ipabbere cemetery is always occupied for an annual
community event. If he dies, his grave should be visited once a year. Therefore, all
community members from various directions, both in Jakarta, Kalimantan, until Papua came.
Initially, this community recognized the state as a flow of trust. However, because
there is a government policy that only recognizes five religions in Indonesia, then in 1996,
the government offered three options for them. Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism. That rule
finally makes Tolotang community subdued. They have to abandon their beliefs that have
been adopted for hundreds of years. They chose Hinduism. Nevertheless, their customs are
maintained. The main reason Hinduism is chosen is because, among all religions offered, it is
Hinduism that has similarities and resemblances. Includes a matter of principle.
The design of Tolotang custom house holders who usually called Wa have an old
time style architecture. Underneath there are several halls, made of bamboo which is
shriveled into small pieces. Tolotang customary house house is much different from other
residents' houses. One thing that clearly distinguishes, is the octagonal and round house
poles. This form is not closed may be followed by ordinary citizens. A round pole is likened,
Tolotang understanding is firmly held, and held firm. The determination of this community is
round and powerful all the time. Not just poles and architecture outside the house is different.
The inside of the house is also so. In a traditional house, there is no seat. In Amparita, the
house is also a holy place.