NORTH BUTON DISTRICT

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BY : SABRY MATASLA

Capital City : Ereke

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Location : On the island of South East Sulawesi, bordered by Muna, Buton, Konawe, . and the Banda sea.

Before it was established as a new autonomous district, Nort Buton was a part of the Muna district. The new district is located to the north of Buton island, majority of the people are members of the buton ethnic group. North Buton has many potential natural resources, like plantations, farming, forestry, fishery, and oil drilling. There are a variety of tourist destinations, from natural objects and cultural sites, to the Lipu palace fortress site. There is a building inside fortress called Baruga, an auditorium building used for society meeting. One of the beautiful beaqches in this area is Labuan Belanda beach. It is said that the beach was used by a VOC ship to dock during its trip to take spices from Buton and Maluku.

LABUAN BELANDA BEACH

The beach is already the holiday destination for North Butonese people. Many activities can be done on this beach, like swimming, sailing with a local’s boad and enjoying the sunrise.

HARI ISLAND

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HARI ISLAND

BY : SABRY MATASALA

Hari island is an uninhabited island with beautiful white sand beaches. Around the island,there are marine parks that are suitable for diving and snorkeling. The sea is clear and beautiful with variety of shapes and colours of coral and a rich diversity of marine life. For those who don’t like the water sports, they can observe the seagulls and turtles laying eggs at night. For fishing, you can come to saponda luar (outside) that is only a few miles from the spot.

AGRO PUDAHOA

The area is about 100 Ha, located in Southern kendari city about 30 km from the center of the city. The area can be reached by car or motor cycle in ± 30 minutes. The area is surrounded by protected forest and it was used for a camping a area during the National Jambore in 2000 whose opening was attended by Abdul Rahman Wahid, when he was a president.

Inside the area, there are a few permanent and semi – permanent building. Recently, the buildings have been used for learning activities of Gontor Pesantren, Kendari branch. There are ± 15 Ha of rice fields, ± 5 Ha of fresh water fish ponds, and ± Ha of fields for the ceremony. Since 2005, the local government of South East Sulawesi has Planted various tropical fruits such as rambutan, durian, mangoes, and orange trees. This area is very good for agriculture. Many activities can be done, such as fising in the pons, camping, or enjoying the village atmosphere. In the fruit season, we can pick the fruit from the tree. Every year, from February to April is harvest time for rambutan and durian, so that when visiting the area during these months, you can find the fruit at an affordable price.

The slow pace of life in this area, far from the hurly-burly of the city, can be developed as spiritual tourism. Through cooperation with the peasants, the tourists, especially Moslem tourists, not only enjoy the beauty and simplicity of nature, but also can feel the peace in the agrarian life.

RAWA AOPA WATUMOHAI NATIONAL PARK (RAWNP)

BY : SABRY MATASALA

Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park ( RAWNP ) has many potential natural resources. According to the Government Administration, the national park is located in 4 districts : 6.238 Ha in the konawe district, located in the Lambuya and Puriala subdistrict, 12.824 Ha in the Kolaka district, located in the Tirawuta, Ladonggi Watubangga, and Tangketada subdistricts, 40.527 Ha in the south konawe districts, located in the Anggata and Tinanggea subdistricts, and 45.605 Ha in the Bombana districts, located in the Rorawatu subdistrict.

The Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park area is merger of a few conservation areas. The Watumohai Buru Park, Rawa aopa Reservation, and Rumbia Land Buru Park, it is 105.194 Ha wide and was established as a National Park according to the decision letter of the ministry of Forestry No. 756/KPTS-ll/1990. It was been bordered with 4.158 milestones 366.673 km in length from 1985 to 1987.

The Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park has 4 types of ecosyetem :mangrove forest, tropical forest, swamp, and savanna, thay are each in habited by a variety of wild life and rare plants that can only be found in Sulawesi. The various ecosystems have a direct affect on the number of protected wildlife inside the jungle. There are 28 kinds of mammals, of which 13 types are Sulawesi endemic, 4 types of Amphibians, of which 1 type is endemic to Sulawesi, 7 types of reptiles, 8 types of fish, 207 of birds, of which 38 types are Sulawesi endemic and 9 types are Indonesian endemic , and 323 types of plants.

As a preventation area, Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park has tourist destinations that are similar to other tourist destinations in Indonesia. The tourist destination spread from the seashore to the lowland mountains. To reach the National Park, you can take public transportation, bus, Damri, or rented car, using route of Kendari – Ranomeeto, it is about 80 km and takes about 1 hour. The best time to visit the national park is in july or august, when local people hold their traditionalceremonies.

TORONIPA BEACH

BY : SABRY MATASALA

It’s the most popular tourist destination for kendari people and peole around the city. The clean and beautiful white sand and nice waves provide an attractive view of the beach. Along the beach, there are coconut trees and leafy trees and leafy trees. There are many resting places or Bale-Bale which can be rented from the locals. While resting, you can enjoy the fresh young coconut, fresh fish, and other traditional food such as burasa and gogos (sticky rice wrapped with a banana leaf and roasted), which are also provided by the local sellers. There is pokea satay, a kind of snail from the Pohara river. Toronipa beach is 30 km from kendari city and takes 30 minutes to reach from kendari.

MORAMO WATERFALL

It’s located is Tanjung Peropa nature preserve. The waterfall has 7 main terraces and around 60 supporting terraces with clear pond on every terrace. It’s a quiet and fresh place that is very nice to visit. The sunlight shines through the water to the marble base and the green colour is reflected to the ponds. You can step on the terraces safely eventough they’re mosscovered. The endemic trees, various colours of butterfly, and birds bring a peaceful atmosphere to this area.

MALAHA ISLAND

BY : SABRY MATASALA

The island is one of the islands with many coconut plants, white sand beaches, and beautiful panoramas, it is suitable for snorkeling and diving activities. It’s about 88 km from kolaka and a 2 hour trip by speedboad. The palace has become a tourist destination for the locals.

KAYU ANGIN BEACH

The unique white sand beach spreads for 2 km. It’s located in the Samaturu subdistrict. 19 km from the Kolaka district. The beach is suitable for diving and snorkeling and has various kinds of coral and other marine life that haven’t been identified yet.

LABOBO BEACH

BY : SABRY MATASALA

Labobo beach in the Mawasangka subdistrict is located about 60 km from Bau-Bau.it’s a 1 hour trip by ferry from Bau-Bau to Waara. Labobo beach is a silent place with white sand beaches apart from the business of Bau-Bau Many beach activities can be done, such as playing beach volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and sailing with fishermen.

KATEMBE BEACH

The beach is located in the Lakudo subdistrict about 40 km from Bau-Bau. Katembe beach has a beautiful white sand panorama and clear water.

BAJO TIRA-TIRA VILLAGE

The village is located in the lasalimu subdistrict, about 60 km fron Pasarwajo, the capital city of the Buton district. The place can be reached by public transportation in about 1 and a half hours. The village offers a mangrove forest around the village and the traditional fishermen’s life of bajo society

LAOMPO BEACH

BY : Sabry Matasala

It’s white sand beach that contains gravel. The beach is located in the Batagua subdistrict about 28 km from bau-bau and can be reached in 30 minutes by public transportation. You can rest in gazeboz and see beach volleyball attractions at sunset an enjoy a traditional Laompo snack, the roasted young coconut and sweet potatoes that are believed to be able to improve body health. There is Graha wisata for accommodations for those who to spend the night here.

KADATUA ISLAND ( BASILIKA AREA)

Kadatua island has a beautiful white beach and specific species of coral. The beach can be reached in 30 minutes by speedboad from bau-bau. The water has a beautiful colour that complements diving activity.

LIWUTONGKIDI ISLAND

Liwutongkidi island is located about 40 minutes south of Bau-Bau city by speedboad. The beach has large amount of white sand. The island is also known for its beautiful coral and various kinds of tropical fish that make it suitable for diving activity.

BOKORI ISLAND

BY : Sabry Matasala

The Island is about 15 hectare wide, is shaped like horse’s foodstep with a shallow lake in the center. When you visit the island , you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by walking along the white beach around the island or in through the path between coconut trees and mangroves. The beauty of sea panoramas, the beautiful sound of the birds, and the activities of traditional fishermen creates an enjoyable ambience in the place. The blue and clear sea ready to entertain during your holiday. Snorkeling will bring you closer to nature and the inhabitants of the sea.

TOLI – TOLI VILAGE

Toli-toli village is located north of kendari city, about 16 km from kendari. The Forestry park Murhum Toli-toli can be reached in 30 minutes by car. The unique aspects of this place are.

1. It’s a protected jungle with various kind of plants and animals that are interesting to observe as well as its beautiful panorama. The place is also interesting for natural research.

2. The topography of the land – with 25 % on angle, the foothills borderto the beach with a deep riverbed (the riverbed was used by Japanese soldiers for hiding). This abrupt shape is very beautiful and good for adventure activities.

3. Natural conditions that have a high potential for the development of ecotourism (hiking, tracking, camping, swimming, and fishing)

This tourist destination is already facilitated by accommodations, a swimming pool, and gazebos event though they are still limited in number and qualoit. The roade to the location is a half asphalted, but the rest is still under construction.

This tourist destination is a choice for the locals who want to spend their holiday outside the city. Those who visit this jungle park are mostly motivated by the interest in the virgin wildemess.

The Development of Tahura Murhum is done to increase the number of tourists and to motivate the growth of the handicraft industry and art studios around the jungle, which will in turn help to increase the economy of localo people. However, the effort must always consider the eco-system of Tahura Murhum, since it isan area of protected forest.

SAGORI ISLAND

BY : Sabry Matasala

This island is located west of Bombana, surrounded by water and a white sandy beach, it is very suitable for water activities like swimming and snorkeling. The tourists who visit the island are mostly divers and those who love the beach,sea, and sun. The sea has 3 colours that are called heaven among divers. The island has incredible shapes and colours of coral and various species of fish, such as endemic fish that can’t be found in any other area.

BASA ISLAND

Basa Island can be reached by land transportation and by boad. It’s about 100 km from Rumbia, the capital city of bombana. Basa islan offers a beautiful white sand beach with coconut trees and leafy trees along the way. Small resting houses of the fisherman can be found in this area. The unique thing about this islan is when uptide comes, the water look as though it’s at the same level as sea’s surface.

ONEMOBAA ISLAND

BY : SABRY MATASALA

The island has a few interesting spots for diving. One of them is called marimabuk, which means let’s drink . Like the name , you will be crazy about the beautiful coral on this island. The place is very exclusive because it’s arranged professionally by Mr.Lorenzt Maider , a young businessman from Switzland. He built an exclusive Dive resort and bungalows with high prices . It’s not easy to reach the place, because you need to register with a travel agent in bali or by internet, but you still must wait on a waiting list. Mr. Maider also built an airport called Maranggo. For the budgeted tourist, you can travel personally or in group through the Wakatobi government. From Wangi-wangi, you can take a speedboad for Rp.70000, the trip takes 2 hours.

HOGA ISLAND

BY : Sabry Matasala

Hoga is a favourite place to divefor professional divers from Indonesia and abroad. There is a Marine Research Station on the Island that is manage by Wallace Operation, a research Institute based in England. The Diving season is in march and from june through August. Most divers are European or American Students who research the biota and stay for weeks. The Island has beautiful white sand beach and leafy trees all around the Island. For accommodations, there are about 200 simple homestays with wooden rooms built by the locals , the price is Rp 40000 per person per night. In the morning , you can see the sunrise. To visit the island, you can take regular or chartered speedboats from wanci to kaledupa with fare of Rp.50000/person. The trip takes more than 1 hour. Then , the trip continues from kaledupa to Hoga by using a motor boat or katinting for Rp.20000 per person. The fare will be cheaper(Rp.5000) if there are other passengers

PAKANDE KANDEA TRADITIONAL PARTY

BY : Sabry Mtasala

Pakande Kandea is a traditional event inherited from the ancestors of the Buton ethnic group that began as an expression of gratitude in this party, various traditional foods are provided and put on a big tray and covered by a traditional cover called bosara. The climax of the party is when all the guests start to eat and are fed by the girls in traditional clothes sitting beside the tray.

The event is often used as a place for young girls to find their mate, also to fascilitate unity in society. The tradition is a societal event with customsand traditional ethics that still axist in the life of the Buton ethnic group.

KAMALI PALACE OR MALIGE

BY : Sabry Matasala

Kamali means palace. All functionaries of the sultan in the past had their own kamali according to their position in the sultanate. The characteristics of kamali can be seen in the attributes and symbols in the decoration of the kamali. Kamali Malige is the palace of the 36^th sultan, named La ode Hamidi (Oputa yi Malige). The palace is located outside of the Buton Palace site , about 1 km east of Murhum Port, Bau – Bau . The palace is very unique because various symbol of sultanate in the past are shown. Besides that , the variety of its decaration tell a story about the life of the Buton people.

POSUO TRADITIONS

In the Buton tradition, every teenage girl must be secluded or posuo process for 8 days. The tradition is to teach the girls lessons about ethics, morality, and spirituality that can be used for their lives in the future as daughters, mothers, wives, and members of society.

After the seclusion process, there is a traditional party that is attended by families and relatives. In the party, kalegoa dance is performed ; the movements of the dance describe the joyfulness of the girls after the seclusion. The seclusion still exists in the life of the Buton ethnic group.

IGANDANGI STONE AND POPAUA STONE

BY : Sabry Matasala

Igandangi means drummed. The tradition describes power and manhood . Popua means female and fertility. Both stones have a close connection to lingga and yoni in Hinduism and Buddhism. During the sultanate (Islamic) period. Both stones were used in the ceremony of the sultan’s inauguration. In the location of thelgendangi stone, secretes water that is used for bathing the sultan.

Popaua stones is used to circeling the sultanate’s umbrella during the inauguration of the sultan or the ministry.It is said that someone has not visited Buton if she/he hasn’t touched the holy stones. The view of the sites is very beautiful on a the clear day. Close to the location , there are a few old cannons. Thousands of pieces of earthenware vessels, ceramics, and porcelain from china Europe have also been found there.

There are 2 kings’ tomb and 18 sultan’ tomb inside the site. There is Beadia or kuba mosque allegedly, even though the size of the mosque is only 8 x 8 meters, the mosque can accommodate as many people as want to pray.

BUTON SULTANATE FLAGPOLE

BY : Sabry Matasala

The flagpole, also called Kesulana Tombi Sultanate Buton in local language, is located in the complex of the palace (keraton) site. The flagpole was build in 1712, during the government of the 19^th Sultan (Lang kariy-Riy/oputa Sangia or holy man).

The flagpole stands in the northern side of buton palace mosque. Even though the is 300 years old, it still stands a an angle following the position of it base. The main pole is supported by 4 supporting poles.

The height of the was more than 21 meters. After the flash stroke and renovations by the 30^th Sultan Muhammad isa/Oputa Yitanga, the hight now is 20 meter. The flag is about 5 meters long and is shaped like a rice leaf with 5 colours; yellow as the base colour, pink, light blue, black, and white with Arabic letters.

It is said that the flag was brought by queen Wa Khakha, the first queen of the buton kingdom in the middle of the 14^th century. This kind of flagpole is very rare; there are only two otherplaces in Indonesia with the same flagpole type: the flagpole at sultan Bima Palace in Sumbawa and the Sultan palace in Potianak. Is there any connection among the three sultanates? It requires further research to prove it.

BUTON PALACE MOSQUE

The mosque is located inside the complex of the Buton Palace site. It’s estimated that the mosque was built in 1712 or in the beginning of the 17^th century. The mosque has 3 levels, using 33 pegs from all kinds of wood. Philosophically, the pegs are used to describe all the parts of the human body. There is a large drum about 1,5 meters in length and its diameter is 50 cm. There are more unique features of the mosque; come to Bau-Bau to sate your curiousity.

GEMBOL VILLAGE

BY : Sabry Matasala

In Gambol village, you can see the craftsmen make gambol from the roots and stems of teak and sandalwood trees. The shape,pattern, and colourof gambol is very unique because it keeps the basic shape of the tree. Whith their beautiful refining, the craftsmen are able to modify a simple root to become a high quality pieceof art work with economic value, like a clock, an ash try, a table, chairs, and other furniture. if you visit kendari, you can find it in various packages.

MOLULO DANCE

Molulo is a society dance for the tolaki ethnic group, performed en masse in a circle, each dancer holding hands. The dance describes a the gratefulness for the success that’s already been achieved. It is also a moment of social gathering for young people to find their mate. All people in their society can dance it regadless of the level or position in the society, so that the dance is also known as the people dance. Nowadays, the Molulo dance is popular not only for tolaki people, but also for other ethnic groups in South East Sulawesi, everybody can participate in the dance , including you if you visit South east Sulawesi.

BAU – BAU

BY : Sabry Matasala

Bau – Bau is a city of history. During the buton sultanate period, the city became a center government. The area is inhabited by almost all ethnic groups in the archipelago, livin together in peace from generation to generation . As an old city, Bau – Bau has attributes from the buton sultanate. The big strength of Bau – Bau is a very strategic location as a connection to eastern Part of Indonesia. The traders in this area not only supply the needs of the buton people, but also for Maluku , North Maluku, and other island in Papua

BUTON PALACE FORTRESS SITE

The Buton palace fortress in Bau – Bau is the mother of 120 fortresses owned by the Buton Sultanate. The construction of the fortress started during the government of the 4^th Sultan, Dayanu Ikhsanuddin / La elangi (1597 – 16310). It was continued b the 6^th sultan, Gafarul waduudu / La Buke (1632 – 1645). The contruksion was finished in the 17^th century; the palace is 2740 meters long, 2 – 8 meters tall, has walls 1-2 meters wide, 12 gates / lawa, ande 16 bastions/baluara. Materialist was contructed from are mix of sand and gypsum. Uniquely, the circle of wolio fortress. Besides the societies naround the fortress that still do tradisional activities, there are another interesting objects inside the fortress.

MOLULO DANCE

BY : SABRY MATASALA

Molulo is a society dance for the tolaki ethnic group, performed en masse in a circle, each dancer holding hands. The dance describes a the gratefulness for the success that’s already been achieved. It is also a moment of social gathering for young people to find their society can dance it regardless of the level or position in the society, so that the dance is also known as the people dance. Nowaday, The Molulo dance is popular not only for tolaki people, but also for other groups in South East Sulawesi , everybody can participate in the dance , including you if you visit south East Sulawesi

TRADISI KALOSARA

Kalosara is a symbol peace and unity that is very sacred in tolaki society. Physically, the kalosara is in the form of rattan with both tips knotted in a circle shape and put on a rectangle of traditional woven cloth. This tradition is usually performed to solve the conflict in tolaki’s society. Recently, the Tolaki ethnic group has spread into Konawe district, and Kendari