Who are the Campalagian?

The Campalagian people live in the city of Polmas and the district of Majene 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 Campalagian live in lowland areas, which are fertile for agriculture. Other names for these people are Tulumpanuae or Tasing. They speak the Campalagian language.

The culture of the Campalagian has been influenced by its larger neighbors, namely the Toraja and Bugis people. The languages of Toraja and Bugis have influenced the Campalagian language and consequently there are many similarities.

What are their lives like?

The Campalagian live as farmers, fishermen, and traders. They also raise water buffalo, goats, cattle, and chickens. The farming community is known as pallaung-ruma, consisting of two groups: pa’galung (farmers of irrigated fields) and pa’dare (farmers of unirrigated fields).

The fishermen are known as pakkaja. The tools used distinguish them: pameng use hook and line; pa’bagang use a fishing platform; pajala use nets; pa’belle who use special traps made of long nets.

Traders are usually known as padagang or saudagara. Trading is usually done in the city of Campalagian, which is located on the coast.

Marriage among the Campalagian people is still under the direction of the parents, including the selection of a spouse. Unlike some areas, there is already a high school in the city. Health-care seems to be adequate for their needs.

What do they believe?

Almost every Campalagian person follows the religion of Islam. This affects societal behavioral patterns in every sector of life. In fact, various elements of Islamic culture are already well integrated into traditional local culture, so that it is difficult to separate them from one another.

They also combine traditional animistic beliefs with Islam. This can be seen from their awe in facing invisible spiritual powers. They also use a dukun (shaman/healer/occultist) to heal sicknesses and cast out the evil spirits.

What are their needs?

The Campalagian people need help to improve the selling of produce from farming and fishery. Developing infrastructure such as good land and sea transportation could support this. In addition, development of human resources through education is needed. The Campalagian region needs more teachers as well as construction of good schools and repair of existing schools.