Unique Bissu community on stage at Japan Foundation
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)