Unique Bissu community on stage at Japan Foundation

JAKARTA (JP): A one-day discussion and cultural performance by the Bissu community of the Bugis village in South Sulawesi will be held on Thursday and Friday at the Japan Foundation.

The Bissu community comprises artists who are also ancient monks of the Bugis tribe. They are called Bissu because they are holy. And although they are all men, other members of the community also calls them calabai (transvestites) since they have women's characteristics and dress up every day like women.

The Bissu community is said to have existed for hundreds of years. Although they are calabai, they are treated respectably by others not only because of their supernatural powers but also because of their role in religious ceremonies.

The monks also have a high position in the community since they are in charge of guarding arajang (sacred weapons), and are believed to possess the ability to communicate with the gods in basa torilangi, the sacred language.

After Islam came to the area, the position of the Bissu, including in religious ceremonies, was replaced by the Puang Kali, Islamic leader.

However, after the Bissu leader Puang Towa died after performing the haj in 1968, the other monks split up. Now, there are only about 20 Bissu remaining who have inherited the glorious Bugis tradition in Pangkep regency.

On Thursday, July 6, the discussion will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the foundation's hall at the Summitmas I building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in South Jakarta. In the evening from 7 p.m there will be experimental and classical dances.

The discussion's speakers will include the Ministry of National Education's director of history and traditional values Anhar Gonggong, South Sulawesi's cultural observer Abdul Muin Ahmad and Said Bissu Loloe of the Bissu community.

On Friday, the event will run from 2:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. with experimental and classical dances, a lecture on traditional medication and forecasting one's love life and career.

For further information, call (021) 5201266. (ste)