Central Sulawesi, the province with the most indigenous languages in Indonesia, boasting 21 local languages, is home to various ethnic groups like Kaili, Pamona, Mori, Bungku, Saluan, Banggai, Balantak, Buol, Toil-Toli, and more.

The Central Sulawesi Pavilion at TMII provides an immersive experience into the local culture and traditions through four traditional houses: souraja, the traditional noble house of the Kaili people; the traditional house of the To Lobo tribe (Tambi) from Sout Lone; gambiri (rice barn); and an office building used as an art shop.

The souraja house, a stilt house covered with carved panels (panapiri) and adorned with carved crowns (bangko-bangko), is divided into three rooms. The front room (Lonta Karawana) serves as a guest bedroom, while the middle room (Lonta Tatangana) is used for receiving family guests, displaying regional costumes, and showcasing the Kaili wedding procession. The last room is the back room (Lonta Rorana), serving as the dining area with women’s quarters in the rear corners.

Additionally, the Avu or kitchen space in the rear building exhibits Donggala sarong weaving. The Tambi house, square in shape with a long and steep pyramid roof, features only one door on the left side of the front part of the house (Lobana). In the center is the rapu, functioning as a kitchen and a source of light and warmth at night. The open space next to it is used as a dining area, bedroom, and guest reception area. Water buffalo head carvings adorn the door leaves, while buffalo horns of various sizes hang on the backbone pillars. Also showcased here are the statues of Tadulako and Langkae Bulava from the southern Los region, representing a handsome and courageous father and a beautiful mother.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the delightful dishes from Palu is Kaledo, a beef bone soup cooked until tender with clear broth and strong spices. With main ingredients like tamarind, bird’s eye chili, and salt, the dish is best eaten with rice or sweet potatoes.