Who are the Enrekang?

The Enrekang people are also known as the Endekan or East Endekan people. They live in the foothills around the regencies of Enrekang and Pinrang, in the province of South Sulawesi. Sulawesi is a large mountainous island often described as being shaped like an orchid or crab. It has a coastline of about 5,000 kilometers and consists mainly of four peninsulas separated by deep gulfs, with two of the peninsulas extending southward and two northeastward.

The Enrekang are closely related to the Duri and Malimpung peoples. The culture of the Enrekang has been influenced by its larger neighbors, namely the Toraja and Bugis people. The languages of Toraja and Bugis have influenced the Enrekang language and consequently there are many similarities.

What are their lives like?

The primary means of livelihood for the Enrekang people is farming. They primarily grow rice, fruits, and gula aren (sugar palms which are processed into sugar). Rice is their primary food. They also raise domesticated livestock such as water buffalo, goats, and chickens to fulfill their needs. Small farmers take care of the land and look after the crops until harvest time.

Many Enrekang marriages are still arranged by the parents and family elders. For several years after their marriage a new couple lives with the wife’s family. After they are fairly well established, the new family may move to live in their own house.

The traditional Enrekang house is raised on stilts that are three meters high. This is done as protection from attacks by wild animals. Both the walls and floors of the house are made from wooden planks. The enclosure below the house can also be used as a stall for livestock or as a storehouse.

Often, burial ceremonies are still performed inside caves in the mountain slopes, so those accompanying the burial must climb tall, steep mountainsides. The ceremony has the purpose of freeing the spirit of the deceased and giving the spirit power to move to the next world.

What do they believe?

The Enrekang are faithful Muslims. Thus they believe that they will be judged according to their knowledge of the Qur’an (Islamic Holy Book) as well as the balance between their good and bad deeds. The laws of traditional culture are still used and has been combined with Islamic law.

Despite their loyalty to Islam, many are still influenced by animistic beliefs and superstitions. These beliefs are focused on the quest for protection through magic, by either appeasing or controlling both good and bad spirits.

What are their needs?

Some of the farmers in South Sulawesi do not have sufficient farmland. They work the land of rich landowners, who then take a large percentage of the crop. Agriculture in the Enrekang area is considered to be less than promising and as a result many Enrekang people leave the area to work as laborers in the cities and towns throughout Sulawesi and other parts of Indonesia. A greater range of jobs is the primary need in this area.