Bugis Pagatan, Migration, Adaptation and Identity

Abstract

The Bugis people, specifically the Wajo is one of the tribes in the archipelago which plays an important role in world trade, shipping and handicraft industries. The role was motivated by their spirit as tough sailors and their adaptability to the new lands they settled in. The impact of global economics has influenced the value and product quality in competitive industry. Many craft business with imported raw materials fall into bankruptcy. However, some craft industries are still able to survive in the middle of an economic crisis. One of these is Tenun Pagatan. This paper describes one of the Bugis’ trace technologies in Tanah Bumbu area in South Kalimantan, synonymous with Tenun Pagatan. Tenun Pagatan was brought with the arrival of Bugis who wandered from their native South Sulawesi in 1750. The traditional methods of producing Tenun Pagatan are still used to this day. Bugis in this region are also able to maintain the tradition of the Tenun whilst adopting motifs, colors and traditional customs of local communities.