Salama’ to pole di banua malaqbi West Sulawesi!
This province stands proudly in a highly strategic location, forming a gateway within the golden triangle that connects South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and East Kalimantan. Nestled in this golden triangle, West Sulawesi offers an endless charm through its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.
West Sulawesi is a land where cocoa, coconut, and cloves thrive, while gold, coal, and petroleum flow in abundance. Here, the Mandar silk sarong (saqbe) and the woven Sekomandi sarong represent beauty and embody local wisdom. Its people, comprising the Mandar, Toraja, Bugis, Makassar, Javanese, and other ethnic groups, warmly welcome guests with their hospitality that reaches even the most remote corners of the region.
The people of West Sulawesi uphold the motto “Mellete Diatonganan,” which means “walking in truth.” They hold firmly to values of honesty and righteousness. The Mandar people who inhabit this peninsula are known for their unique life journey. They are regarded as master seafarers, with unwavering determination and spirit in reaching their goals, even when facing the fiercest ocean waves. The phrase “Takkalai disombalang dot-ai lele ruppu’ dadi na tuali di luangan” reflects the noble values cherished by the Mandar community: goodness, truth, and honor.
The beauty of West Sulawesi can be experienced at the West Sulawesi Pavilion in TMII, where visitors can explore the traditional Mandar house (Rumah Adat Mamuju), featuring the bale (the king’s chamber) and a model of the sandeq sailboat, a cultural symbol of the region. This traditional house, often referred to as Salassa or the royal house, is considered the mother house.
Inside, traditional attire from various regencies across the province is displayed. Stepping into the house, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the unique experience of a traditional West Sulawesi wedding celebration. A ceremonial wedding stage, complete with a bride and groom in traditional dress, awaits in the main hall.
Various cultural artifacts of West Sulawesi are showcased in glass cabinets throughout the pavilion. Stunning Mandar silk sarongs, Sekomandi woven fabrics, and traditional accessories are on display, each contributing to the visual storytelling of this vibrant culture. These artifacts and adornments, displayed throughout the house, offer an immersive journey into the richness of West Sulawesi’s heritage.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Mandar Peninsula, there once existed a confederation of 14 kingdoms—seven coastal kingdoms and seven inland kingdoms. This historical fact is supported by the discovery of both local and foreign artifacts in the former Afdeling Mandar region. These kingdoms include Balanipa, Banggae, Pamboang, Sendana, Tappalang, Mamuju, Binuang, Rante Bulahan, Aralie, Mambi, Tabulahan, Matangnga, Bambang, and Tabang.
