WHO are they? Most Kulisusu families have their own farmlands and work together in
cultivating the land. They primarily cultivate cassava, corn and rice along with assorted
vegetables and fruits. In addition to personal consumption, produce is also sold in the
markets, and the Kulisusu are known for offering low prices. Some Kulisusu are traders
who travel to other islands in and around Indonesia or work on merchant ships.
Honesty and hard work are valued among the Kulisusu people, and they have an
extremely low crime rate.
WHERE do they live? The Kulisusu people of Indonesia are located on the
northeastern area of Buton Island, which is in the province of Southeast Sulawesi. The
Kulisusu live on the narrow hilly peninsula which juts southward separating the Koro
Bay on the west from the Banda Sea on the east. Although little has been written about
the Kulisusu, it’s known that they have been settled in their present location for at least
the past 400 years.
HOW many? 22,000
WHAT do they worship? The Kulisusu are followers of Islam, which came into their
area around the 17th century. The Islamic faith is expressed through activities such as
circumcision, attending the mesjid (mosque), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Despite their Islamic identity, their beliefs in Allah and the Qur'an (Islamic holy book) do
not prevent them from having special celebrations to satisfy evil spirits, or going to a
dukun (shaman) when they are sick or having difficulties.