Who are the Konjo Pegunungan?

The Konjo people cluster consists of two groups, namely the Konjo Pegunungan (mountain) and the Konjo Pesisir (coastal). As their name states, the Konjo Pegunungan primarily live in the mountainous region of Konjo, in the districts of Tinggi Moncong, Gowa, Sinjai, and Bone, in the Bulukumba regency. The Kalimporo and Jannaya region constitutes the central Konjo region, which is still tied to the old Tana Toa area and other Konjo villages. They use the Konjo language, which is included in the Makassar language family and is similar to other languages in South Sulawesi.

What are their lives like?

The majority of the Konjo Pegunungan people live as farmers. A system of farming of dividing crops is extremely common in the realm of the Konjo Pegunungan. This means the farm workers receive one-half to one-third of the profits, depending on who pays for seeds and planting needs. The average farmer owns 2-3 hectares of land, usually irrigated rice fields and/or unirrigated agricultural fields. Peanuts and tobacco constitute their main agricultural crop grown for trading purposes.

Gotong royong is a pattern of mutual cooperation that is often used by the Konjo Pegunungan people, such as in building houses, preparing for parties, or harvesting crops. But everything done is noted and they usually expect similar assistance when needed. Hospitality and social interaction are strongly emphasized by the Konjo Pegunungan. If a Konjo Pegunungan person passes by someone he knows and is not greeted, he will become offended. Offense can also be taken if the person does not stay involved in the conversation. Business transactions are done in the midst of much talking and chatting. The Konjo Pegunungan people are used to giving an indirect answer, and will even lie at times to avoid giving an unsuitable answer.

The Konjo Pegunungan people welcome guests and newcomers from the outside. They ask a lot of questions concerning the outside world and carefully study new things. They seem ready to receive some changes, such as tools or other things that are beneficial for them, but traditional customs and beliefs cannot be changed. Their motto is, "kami tidak akan membuang peraturan adat." (We will never throw out our traditional way of life). Even in ceremonies, newly introduced ideas can be welcome additions to the old ways, but these will never replace the old ways.

What do they believe?

The Konjo Pegunungan people embrace the religion of Islam. But most of them still maintain their animistic practices; even the most devout Muslim fears the spirits. When there is conflict between the teachings of Islam and traditional beliefs, the traditional practice will win out. Most of the children learn to read the Qur’an (Islamic Holy Book). Each ceremony is incomplete without a Qur’an reading.

What are their needs?

A need of the Konjo Pegunungan people at this time is appropriate irrigation for increasing their agricultural output. In addition, their commercial agricultural enterprise has the potential to be managed better. Most Konjo Pegunungan have a positive attitude toward education but only a few of them finish middle school or above. This means many teachers and schools are still needed in the area of the Konjo Pegunungan people.