Bugis traditional houses are one of Indonesia's rich cultural heritages. The building is not only beautiful, but also full of life philosophy.
Let's learn more about this traditional house and what it means to the Bugis people. You will be fascinated by its uniqueness and the story behind it!
A House Full of Dignity for the Bugis People
If you're visiting South Sulawesi, one of the things you can't miss is the rich culture of the Bugis tribe, especially their traditional houses.
A Bugis traditional house is not just a residential building, but a representation of the values, philosophies, and dignity upheld by its people.
Its architecture combines practical function with deep symbolic meaning, reflecting how the Bugis people view the world and their lives.
Traditional Bugis House 'Saoraja'
The traditional house of the Bugis tribe is known as Saoraja, which means "big house" or "noble house". This house is usually inhabited by descendants of kings or prominent figures in the community.
Although it is rarely seen in its complete form today, the concepts and values of Saoraja are still alive in Bugis society today.
Not only magnificent in terms of size, Saoraja is also full of symbols of honor and social order.
The Uniqueness of Bugis Traditional Houses that are Not Faded by Time
Despite the changing times, Bugis traditional houses still stand firm, maintaining their identity, values and functions that are rich in meaning. Here are some of the characteristics of Bugis traditional houses that make them unique and relevant today:
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Standing on High Poles (Flood Proof and Multipurpose Room)
One of the characteristics of the Bugis traditional house is its high foundation on wooden poles.
These poles serve to avoid flooding, which is common in the lowlands of Sulawesi, as well as creating an underbelly that can be used as a place to store agricultural tools or even keep animals.
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Stairs at the Front of the House, Usually Double and Facing East
The stairs of a Bugis house are usually placed at the front and are two in number. Interestingly, the direction of the stairs and the house generally face east.
This is a symbol of respect for the rising sun as a symbol of new life and hope.
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Sloping Triangular Roof and High Quality Wood Walls
The roofs of Bugis houses are gable-shaped or sloping triangles, designed to drain rainwater well.
The walls are generally made of hardwoods such as ulin or meranti, which are resistant to weather and termites, reflecting the resilience and strength of character of the Bugis people.
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Size and Carvings Reflect Social Status
The larger the size of the house and the more intricate the carvings, the higher the social status of the occupants.
Traditional carvings are usually placed on the walls or main pillars of the house, with distinctive motifs that have spiritual or historical significance.
A reflection of the Bugis philosophy of life
The Bugis traditional house not only functions as a place to live, but there is a philosophy of life in it:
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House Floor Divided into 3: Upper, Middle, and Underneath, Symbol of Three Worlds
The structure of a Bugis house is divided into three main parts: above (sky), middle (human world), and below (supernatural realm). This division reflects the belief in the connection between humans, nature and spirituality.
Each space has certain functions and taboos that are maintained for generations.
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Staircase Position and House Direction Based on Customary and Spiritual Calculations
Determining the position of the house is not done carelessly. Usually the elders will calculate the best time and direction based on spiritual calculations and local beliefs.
This shows that building a house also means building a life balance.
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Built Together with Extended Family, Showing Mutual Cooperation and Social Ties
The tradition of building a house is carried out in mutual cooperation by the extended family and local residents.
This process is not only a physical activity, but also a manifestation of mutual help and respect, which strengthens social relations within the Bugis community.
Where to Find Bugis Traditional Houses?
If you're interested in seeing the uniqueness and splendor of Bugis Traditional Houses firsthand, you don't have to fly all the way to Sulawesi. Here are the places you can visit:
Seeing the Bugis Traditional House in Jakarta
You can see the Bugis Traditional House in the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) area, East Jakarta.
In the South Sulawesi Anjungan area, there is a replica of the Bugis traditional house complete with its distinctive architectural details, such as the stairs at the front and carvings on the walls.
This area is open every day from 08.00 to 16.00 WIB. You will be charged a TMII entrance ticket fee of around Rp25,000 per person.
Seeing Bugis Traditional Houses in South Sulawesi
If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Bugis traditional house, then come to South Sulawesi, especially the regions of Bone, Soppeng, and Wajo, which are known as the centers of Bugis civilization.
One of the best locations to see traditional houses that are still inhabited and actively used is Tana Beru Village in Bulukumba, or Palopo and Tanete Riattang Villages in Bone.
To reach these areas, from Makassar you can take a car towards Bone or Bulukumba, with a travel time of around 5 to 8 hours depending on conditions.
Tips for Visiting and Understanding Bugis Traditional Houses
For those of you who want to see and understand the architectural meaning and philosophy behind Bugis traditional houses for the first time, here are some tips that can help you!
Find the Right Local Guide
To better understand the meaning and history of Bugis traditional houses, you should hire a local guide.
They usually have a wealth of cultural knowledge and can provide on-the-spot explanations, including folklore that may not be found in books.
Respect Local Rules
Always behave yourself when visiting a traditional house. Ask in advance if you can photograph the inside of the house or go upstairs, especially if the house is still inhabited.
Respecting the local rules is a form of respect for the culture you are visiting.
Wear Comfortable and Polite Clothes
As some of the houses are in rural areas, make sure you wear decent and comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing too revealing clothes, especially when entering sacred areas or when taking a cultural tour.
Suitable Transportation to Explore Bugis Traditional Houses
Two-wheelers or small cars are more suitable for exploring the hinterlands where Bugis traditional houses are located.
If you don't bring your own vehicle, many local tour providers offer complete cultural tour packages, including transportation and guides.
Bugis traditional houses are not just a cultural heritage, but also full of philosophical meaning behind their beauty. If you have the opportunity, let's make time to visit and experience the richness of Bugis culture up close!
