BUGIS COMMUNITY ADDS DEPTH TO SABAH’S CULTURAL MOSAIC

By Khatijah Jistoh

TAWAU, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- As Sabah heads into its 17th state election, communities across the state are highlighting their cultural roots, including Tawau’s longstanding Bugis population, one of the largest in the region.

The Bugis community forms a significant part of Tawau’s social fabric, with more than 50,000 members actively contributing to the district’s economy, religious life and grassroots development at present.

Sabah Bugis Community Association (PKBS) Tawau chairman Mohd Amin Nasir said the community’s presence is nearly as old as Tawau itself, with early records pointing to Bugis settlers in the early 19th century.

“By 1820, Tawau had small groups of Tidung, Suluk, Bajau and Bugis settlers due to our proximity to Indonesia,” he said, adding that their presence was formally recognised in 1882 when the British appointed the first village head from the Bugis tribe.

Mohd Amin said the Bugis are known for their strong work ethic and willingness to take on demanding labour, qualities that helped shape Tawau’s agricultural and trading sectors over generations.

Food remains a proud expression of their heritage. Popular dishes include buras, a coconut-milk rice parcel boiled for hours, ayam likku, a galangal-based chicken dish and barongko, a sweet banana-based dessert wrapped in banana leaves.

Traditional snack maker Tija Kuba said barongko remains a favourite at community gatherings. “It comes from the Bugis phrase barangku wadoko, meaning ‘my own item that I wrap myself’,” she explained.

She hopes younger Bugis in Sabah will continue preserving traditional recipes, not only as livelihood opportunities but also as part of their cultural identity.

Cultural expression is also seen in attire. PKBS information chief Yalah Munur highlighted the songkok recca, originally crafted from lontar palm leaves in South Sulawesi and worn as a symbol of status at weddings.

In the arts, musician Jamaluddin Gora said the boat-shaped lute Kecapi Bugis continues to be played at ceremonies, while tailor Syakila Mohamed noted that the iconic baju bodo remains a popular choice for Bugis brides, with colours signifying social standing.

As Sabah navigates the political currents of the state election, community leaders say understanding the heritage of groups like the Bugis offers a reminder of the rich cultural layers that continue to shape local identity and aspirations.

For the latest on the state polls, visit Bernama microsite at https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/.

-- BERNAMA