WHO are they? Wolio people live as farmers on the land and sea. Primary land crops
are rice, corn and cassava. In the sea, especially from June to September, vast
stretches of water are used to cultivate agar-agar (seaweed) that is ground up and used
to make a variety of products. Many people also work as sailors and shipbuilders.
The Wolio houses are built using boards, with small windows added. The roofs are built
with small boards and coconut leaves. These houses are raised up to two meters above
the ground. In the Wolio community, the men are mainly involved in labor outside the
home, while the wife works in the home and manages the family and their finances.
The Wolio people place a great priority on education. Good education for their children
has been a high priority. This, added to their willingness to study foreign languages, has
resulted in noticeable social advancement.
WHERE do they live? The Wolio primarily live on the island of Buton, around the city of
Baubau, but can also be found on Muna, located in the SE Sulawesi province. The
Wolio are at the heart of the culture of Buton.
HOW many? 215,000
WHAT do they worship? Almost all Wolio have beliefs centered in Sufi Islam.
According to their teachings, they practice mediation in order to receive visions from
God, or to find hidden truths far beyond their own reasoning. Belief in reincarnation is
also adhered to as a result of Hindu influence. They also believe that evil spirits cause
illnesses to occur while helpful spirits give guidance.