Matoduwolo!
Due to its strategic position facing Tomini Gulf (to the south) and the Sulawesi Sea (to the north), Gorontalo, a land rich in history that has existed for over 400 years, has become a center for education and trade. Here, the culture of consensus is preserved through generations via the People’s Consultative Body or Bantayo Poboide, led by a Bate and involving all parties in decision-making.
A visit to Gorontalo is incomplete without exploring its stunning beach destinations. There are so many destinations worth visiting, from Bolihutuo Beach, Olele Marine Park, Teluk Tomini Beach, Indah Beach, Karang Citra Beach, Marisa Beach, Boalemo Indah Beach, Limba Island, to Tilamuta White Sand Beach. Also, don’t miss the various Dutch-influenced bread, cakes, and cookies that Gorontalo is known for.
At TMII, the Gorontalo Pavilion presents the Ma’lihe traditional house, named after the word “mahligai”. The local residents generally live in houses called Ma’lihe or Potiwoluya, which are square or rectangular stilt houses built on poles ranging from one to four meters in height. With rumbia thatch roofs and bamboo woven walls, each house has a bedroom, a veranda, a kitchen, and a living room, adorned with meaningful carvings above the door.
This traditional house serves as a showcase of Gorontalo culture, with a pair of Saronde dancers in the courtyard performing the traditional wedding dance. The bridal chamber (Puade) in the front of the house is used in the circumcision wedding ceremony and Buhutalo, which is a ceremony welcoming the first menstruation of a noble girl.
There are also two sets of bridal attire, namely Wolimomo for the wedding and Biliu for after the wedding ceremony. The rooms inside also feature bridal beds and cultural artifacts typical of Gorontalo.
DID YOU KNOW?
The influence of Islam is deeply embedded in the lives of the Gorontalo people. They adhere firmly to the philosophy “Adati hula-hula’a to Sara’a, Sara’a hula-hula’a to Kuru’ani”, which means “Customs Complying with Sharia, and Sharia Complying with the Quran”, that is reflected in their culture and way of life.
