Buton Tengah

History

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History and Development of Buton Tengah: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Buton Islands

Origins and the Era of the Sultanate of Buton

Buton Tengah, geographically located in the strategic "middle" position of the Buton Islands, has deep historical roots closely tied to the glory of the Sultanate of Buton. This region was traditionally known as part of the crucial Kadie (subordinate territory) for the sultanate's defense. History records that the Mawasangka and Lakudo areas were important pillars in the sultanate's governance structure led by Sultan Murhum (Sultan of Buton I) in the 16th century.

The people of Buton Tengah possess a strong cultural identity, rooted in the Sara Patanguna governance system. Unlike the open coastal areas, the interior of Buton Tengah, with its vast area of 851.99 km², once served as a food granary and a natural defense fortress. Its geographical characteristics, dominated by karst rock, created many caves, such as Gua Mawasangka, which local history says were once used as hiding places and hermitages for nobles and warriors when facing external threats.

Colonial Era and People's Resistance

During the Dutch colonial period, Buton Tengah was not spared from the penetration efforts of the VOC and later the Dutch East Indies Government. However, due to its challenging topography and high loyalty to the Sultan in Baubau, this region became a resilient zone of resistance. Historical records indicate that local figures from Buton Tengah were actively involved in supporting the struggle of Sultan Himayatuddin Muhammad Saidi (Oputa Yi Koo) in his guerrilla warfare against the Dutch in the Buton forests in the 18th century. The spirit of self-reliance of its people was reflected in their steadfastness in preserving customs amidst the political pressure of colonialism.

Independence Era and the Formation of Autonomy

Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, Buton Tengah became part of Buton Regency in Southeast Sulawesi Province. However, aspirations for self-governance continued to grow along with the need for accelerated development. After a long process spanning decades, a historic moment occurred on July 23, 2014. Through Law Number 15 of 2014, Buton Tengah officially became an independent regency, separated from its parent regency. Mansur Amila is recorded in history as the first Acting Regent who laid the administrative foundation for this region.

Cultural Heritage and Modern Development

Buton Tengah directly borders Buton Regency to the east, Muna Regency to the north, and the Buton Strait which separates it from the mainland. Its cultural heritage is very specific, such as the Kamomose tradition (a matchmaking tradition for teenagers) and the traditional Linda dance, which are still preserved today. Historical sites like Benteng Kamubaho stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of past architecture.

In modern times, this region has transformed into an agropolitan and tourism center based on caves and culture. Despite holding the status of "Epic" in the context of its historical rarity, Buton Tengah maintains its identity as the cultural heart of Buton, connecting the past of the sultanate with the future development of Southeast Sulawesi. Its economic growth is now focused on optimizing natural resources and historical tourism integrated with the grand narrative of Indonesian national history.

Geography

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Geography of Buton Tengah Regency: A Karst Gem in the Heart of Southeast Sulawesi

Buton Tengah, administratively part of Southeast Sulawesi Province, possesses unique and distinctive geographical characteristics. Spanning an area of 851.99 km², this region is geomorphologically dominated by a massive karst landscape. Although surrounded by strait waters, its land typology places Buton Tengah as an area highly dependent on limestone rock structures, making it one of the most geologically interesting regions on the southeastern peninsula of Sulawesi Island.

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Topography and Karst Landscape

The region of Buton Tengah is dominated by low hills and undulating plains with elevations ranging from 0 to 500 meters above sea level. The most striking geographical feature is the presence of underground cave systems and ancient rivers flowing beneath the carbonate rock layers. Unlike the high mountainous regions on mainland Sulawesi, Buton Tengah does not have active volcanoes, but rather a series of sharp limestone hills and dry valleys formed through rock dissolution processes over millions of years. This condition creates an exotic yet challenging landscape for surface water availability.

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Hydrology and Water Characteristics

Hydrologically, Buton Tengah has limited large surface rivers. Most water flows are seasonal or flow through underground river networks that discharge directly into the sea through karst fissures. A unique phenomenon characteristic of this area is the emergence of brackish springs and "ancient lakes" within caves, such as those found in the Mawasangka area. Its strategic geographical position, flanked by Bone Bay and the Buton Strait, provides a moderating influence of sea temperatures on its terrestrial microclimate.

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Climate and Seasonal Variations

Located on the equator, Buton Tengah experiences a tropical climate with two contrasting seasons. The dry season (May–October) tends to be very dry due to the influence of the eastern monsoon winds carrying dry air masses from Australia. Conversely, the rainy season (November–April) brings high rainfall which is quickly absorbed into the pores of the karst soil. Average daily temperatures range between 24°C and 33°C with high humidity levels throughout the year.

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Natural Resources and Biodiversity

The natural wealth of Buton Tengah lies in its non-metallic and agricultural sectors. Limestone and marble mining are the main mineral potentials. In the agricultural sector, this region is a major producer of cashew nuts and coconuts. Ecologically, the forests of Buton Tengah are home to endemic Sulawesi species, including the Anoa and various types of maleo birds that inhabit the secondary forests and scrublands in the central region. Coastal forest and mangrove vegetation also grow lushly along the coastline bordering neighboring regencies, maintaining the balance of the coastal ecosystem despite the land being dominated by dry rocks.

Culture

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The Charm of Buton Tengah Culture: Land of a Thousand Caves in the Heart of Southeast Sulawesi

Buton Tengah, administratively located in Southeast Sulawesi Province, is a unique region with an area of 851.99 km². Although surrounded by waters, its cultural identity is strongly rooted in its iconic karst land. As a region categorized as "Epic" with a strategic central position, this regency holds a wealth of traditions that are a harmonious blend of Islamic values and ancestral customs of the former Sultanate of Buton.

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Traditions, Rituals, and Customary Ceremonies

One of the most sacred traditions in Buton Tengah is Kamomose. This is a traditional matchmaking tradition where teenage girls (anandola) sit in a row wearing traditional attire, while young men throw nuts or candy into a container in front of the girl they like. In addition, there is the Pidoano Kuri ceremony in Lakudo, a ritual of self and village purification to ward off misfortune. The community also practices Karia, a coming-of-age ritual for boys and girls involving a period of seclusion (posuo) to instill moral and spiritual values.

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Performing Arts and Traditional Music

Dance art in Buton Tengah is more than just entertainment; it is a medium of spiritual communication. Tari Mangaru is a war dance that showcases the bravery of men with sharp weapons, symbolizing the protection of the land. In terms of music, the Ganda (drum) and Gong instruments dominate the accompaniment of customary ceremonies. There is also the Lulo Tradisional, performed communally, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between villages.

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Local Culinary Delights: Tastes of the Coast and Karst

The cuisine of Buton Tengah is heavily influenced by its natural resources. Kasuami (grated cassava steamed into a cone shape) is the main staple food, usually eaten with Parende, a fresh yellow-spiced fish soup with the aroma of turmeric and *patikala* acid. Other unique dishes include Kambewe, young corn processed and wrapped in corn husks, as well as various processed seafood preserved traditionally.

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Language and Local Expressions

The majority of the people in Buton Tengah use the Muna Language (Muna-Buton Dialect). There are subtle dialectal differences between the Lakudo, Mamosalane, and Gu regions. The expression "Poma-masiaka, Poangka-angkata, Poma-maeaka" (Love each other, elevate each other's status, and protect each other's shame/honor) serves as the foundation of social ethics that are still firmly held today.

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Textiles and Traditional Attire

The textile richness of Buton Tengah is reflected in Tenun Buton with its characteristic vertical stripes and checkered patterns. Bright colors such as yellow, red, and green dominate traditional clothing. Women wear Baju Kombo adorned with beads and metal pieces, while men wear Kampurui (headband) with specific folds indicating social status or role in customs.

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Religion and Cultural Festivals

Islam is the lifeblood of the people of Buton Tengah. Celebrations of major religious holidays are always synchronized with cultural festivals, such as the Buton Tengah Cultural Festival, which is regularly held to showcase the historical wealth of the region. The existence of hundreds of caves (luweng) in this area is also considered sacred, with some caves still used for meditation or honoring ancestors (animism assimilated with local Islamic traditions), making Buton Tengah a mystical and religious cultural destination.

Tourism

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Exploring the Charm of Buton Tengah: Land of a Thousand Caves in Southeast Sulawesi

Buton Tengah, a hidden gem with an "Epic" rarity status in Southeast Sulawesi, offers unparalleled charm. With an area of 851.99 km², this regency is administratively located in the central position of the Buton archipelago and directly borders three main regions: Buton Regency to the east, Muna to the north, and Baubau City to the south. Although administratively it does not have a long mainland coastline like an open coastal island, Buton Tengah is instead surrounded by exotic waters and a cluster of stunning small islands.

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Natural Wonders and Underground Labyrinths

Known by the nickname "Land of a Thousand Caves," Buton Tengah is a paradise for geology enthusiasts. One of its main icons is Goa Koo, which features a crystal-clear freshwater pool of deep blue within it. Unlike volcanic mountains, the landscape here is dominated by karst hills that hold unique characteristics. For beach lovers, Mangkudu Beach and Katembe Beach offer stretches of fine white sand with calming sea water gradients, a stark contrast to the sharp coral rock structures that protect its land.

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Cultural Heritage and Historical Traces

The cultural richness of Buton Tengah is reflected in its community traditions that still uphold the customs of the Sultanate of Buton. Tourists can visit Benteng Bombonawulu, a historical site that bears silent witness to the local community's defense in the past. Furthermore, an unmissable cultural experience is the Kasambu traditional festival, a tradition of feeding pregnant mothers as a prayer for safety, which provides deep insight into the local community's life philosophy.

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Adventure and Outdoor Activities

For adrenaline seekers, cave diving in Goa Kristal is a must-do activity. Diving among stalactites and stalagmites in crystal-clear water provides an epic adventure sensation. Additionally, climbing Puncak Lakudo offers panoramic views of the entire Buton Tengah region from above, where the sunrise will greet you against the backdrop of the vast Banda Sea.

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Gastronomy: Authentic Tastes

Culinary tourism in Buton Tengah is about exploring flavors. Try Kambewe, young corn processed, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed, offering a unique natural sweetness. Don't miss Kasuami, a staple food made from cassava, served with stingray or fresh smoked fish caught by local fishermen around the Buton Strait.

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Hospitality and Best Time to Visit

The people of Buton Tengah are known for their warmth and strong adherence to brotherhood values. Although star hotels are still limited, various homestays managed by locals are available, providing an authentic accommodation experience amidst residential areas. The best time to visit is during the dry season between May and September, when the cave water is clearest and the weather is very conducive for outdoor activities. Here, you don't just travel; you absorb the tranquility in one of the most exotic spots in the heart of Southeast Sulawesi.

Economy

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Economic Profile of Buton Tengah Regency: A New Epicenter in Southeast Sulawesi

Buton Tengah Regency, administratively located in Southeast Sulawesi Province, has unique geographical characteristics as an island region, yet its economic gravity center is on land spanning 851.99 km². Although its status in this categorization is described as not having a direct coastline (landlocked in terms of internal administrative context), this region, nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Caves," is actually surrounded by the waters of the Buton Strait and Tiworo Strait, which are the arteries of regional trade.

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Leading Agricultural and Plantation Sectors

The main pillar of Buton Tengah's economy rests on the dryland agriculture sector. The flagship commodity driving local exports is Cashew Nuts. Buton Tengah is one of the largest cashew producers in Southeast Sulawesi, where raw and processed cashew nuts are the primary source of income for thousands of households. Besides cashews, food crops like cassava (kasuami) form the basis of local food security, which is now beginning to be developed downstream into household-scale tapioca flour.

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Tourism and Creative Economy Sectors

The unique geology of Buton Tengah, filled with karst landscapes, makes it an exotic destination for cave and freshwater bathing tourism. Tourist attractions such as Gua Embaku and the landscapes in Lakudo District attract a flow of tourists, spurring the growth of the service sector, hospitality, and MSMEs. In the creative economy sector, the "Bia-Bia" motif traditional Buton Tengah sarong handicraft is a flagship product that has penetrated the national market. This weaving industry is not just a tradition but an economic ecosystem involving women artisans in villages, contributing significantly to the region's gross domestic product.

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Trade and Connectivity Infrastructure

As a region bordering three strategic areas—Muna Regency to the north, Baubau City to the south (via sea route), and Buton Regency to the east—Buton Tengah functions as a transit bridge. The development of ring road infrastructure and the improvement of Wamengkoli Port facilities are key to accelerating goods distribution. Sea transportation remains the backbone, even though the region is dominated by land, connecting local commodities to larger markets in Makassar and Surabaya.

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Employment Trends and Future Development

Employment trends in Buton Tengah are shifting from the primary sector (pure farmers) to the secondary and tertiary sectors. The emergence of marine product processing industries, such as fish freezing plants and seaweed processing in coastal areas (even though the central government is inland), indicates economic diversification. The local government is currently focusing on downstream processing of agricultural products and strengthening cooperatives to increase the bargaining power of cashew farmers. With its "Epic" rarity status on the regional development map, Buton Tengah is transforming into a new economic force relying on the integration of its karst natural wealth and local cultural creativity.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of Buton Tengah: Dynamics of the Community in the Heart of the Buton Islands

Buton Tengah, administratively located in Southeast Sulawesi Province, has unique demographic characteristics as an island region, although technically categorized as a non-coastal area in certain administrative contexts (often nicknamed "Land of a Thousand Caves"). With an area of 851.99 km², this regency shows a population concentration influenced by its strategic geographical location among three neighboring regions: South Buton, Muna, and Baubau.

Population Size, Density, and Distribution

Based on the latest data, the population of Buton Tengah exceeds 115,000 people. The average population density is around 135 people per km², but its distribution is uneven. The highest population concentration is in Lakudo and Gu Districts, which serve as centers of economic and administrative growth. Conversely, areas in the central part of the land have lower densities, reflecting settlement patterns that are still highly dependent on the accessibility of inter-regency roads.

Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

The demographics of Buton Tengah are dominated by indigenous ethnic groups, namely the Buton and Muna tribes, with specific sub-ethnicities such as communities speaking Pancana, Gu, and Mawasangka dialects. This diversity creates a strong social structure where customary law still plays an important role in the sociology of the population. Although predominantly Muslim, there are variations in oral traditions and cultural rites that distinguish one village from another, making it a region with "Epic" cultural richness in Southeast Sulawesi.

Age Structure and Population Pyramid

The population pyramid of Buton Tengah shows an expansive structure that is beginning to narrow at the bottom, indicating a demographic transition. The productive age group (15-64 years) dominates the population structure, providing potential for a demographic bonus. However, there is a significant dependency ratio on the young age group (0-14 years), requiring substantial investment in the sector of meeting basic child needs.

Education and Literacy

The literacy rate in Buton Tengah shows a positive trend with a literacy rate above 94%. However, the distribution of formal education levels is still concentrated among high school graduates. The main challenge is access to higher education, where many young people have to leave the region to continue their studies, which then influences migration patterns.

Urbanization and Migration Patterns

The population dynamics of Buton Tengah are heavily influenced by circular migration. The phenomenon of "merantau" (migrating for work) is part of the local community's culture. Many productive-aged residents migrate to growth centers like Baubau City or outside the province (Maluku and Papua) to work in the trade and service sectors. Internally, there is small-scale urbanization towards district centers that are beginning to transform into semi-urban areas, changing the rural landscape into more dynamic local trade centers.