Who are the Makassar?

The Makassar people (also known as the Taena, Tena, or Goa) inhabit the southern part of the southwestern peninsula of Sulawesi. The heart of their area is Makassar, the capital city of the province of South Sulawesi. In addition to urban areas, the Makassar also live in the Konjo highlands, the coastal areas, and the Selayar and Spermo islands. Their language is the Makassar language, which is divided into the Gowa, Turaka, and Maros-Pangkep dialects.

What are their lives like?

The primary source of income among the Makassar is rice farming; however, they are also well known throughout Indonesia for their skill in trading. Some are also skilled fishermen. Their houses are often built on stilts, two meters above the ground. Makassar houses in the plains and beach areas are grouped closely, whereas those in the mountains are spread out. The fishermen living on the beaches build their houses in rows facing the sea or the main road. Villages like these are known as kampung pajjaku (fishermen village). Farmers build their houses around the fields. Villages like these are known as kampung pamarri (farmer villages). Each village usually has a center (pecci tana) which formerly was considered a sacred place, marked by a sacred (banyan) tree.

Division of labor among the Makassar is strict because of the rigid separation of the sexes. Men are responsible for matters outside the house such as farming, working the plows, and carrying rice bundles after the harvest. The household duties are assigned exclusively to women.

The family structure is headed by the man. The wife and children must show respect for the head of the household while they are in public. Final decisions concerning the family are always the husband’s responsibility. In rural locations, marriages are still arranged by the parents and/or close relatives. Communication between the prospective bride and groom is strictly prohibited. Polygamy (having multiple wives) is accepted; however, it is only practiced among the wealthy since a separate house must be provided for each wife.

Siri (respect and honor) is the social code by which the Makassar live. Anyone seriously offending another person’s siri runs the risk of being killed and the external authorities will often refuse to become involved.

The Makassar often work alongside their neighbors in matters of mutual concern, such as building houses and working in the rice fields. They also gather for times of celebration, such as birthdays and weddings.

What do they believe?

The Makassar people are almost all Muslims, nevertheless traditional beliefs are still influential, especially in the remote areas. They maintain beliefs in gods and ancestral spirits; giving ritual offerings in the required manner. Special ceremonies are held at the beginning of planting and harvest seasons. They believe these ancestral spirits have a direct influence on their daily lives.

What are their needs?

At this time the Makassar people need training to increase their agricultural production. Medical personnel and nutritional information are also needed because the Makassar people in rural areas still suffer from poor nutrition.