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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 12, No. 1
Publication Date: January 25, 2025
DOI:10.14738/assrj.121.18047.
Saleh, M., Mulyati, A., & Sirajuddin, Z. (2025). Sulapa Eppa’na of Walasuji: A Sustainable Concept of Buginess Traditions for
Sustainable Development in Palu, Indonesia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 12(1). 43-59.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Sulapa Eppa’na of Walasuji: A Sustainable Concept of Buginess
Traditions for Sustainable Development in Palu, Indonesia
Muhammad Saleh
Tadulako University, Palu, Indonesia
Ahda Mulyati
Tadulako University, Palu, Indonesia
Zaenal Sirajuddin
Tadulako University, Palu, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na is a cultural symbol ofthe Bugis-Makassar ethnic group
in South Sulawesi, rich in local wisdom values that reflect spirituality, identity,
mutual cooperation, and human responsibility in preserving nature. Its geometric
pattern, composed of stacked quadrilaterals resembling a rhombus, is not merely
an aesthetic ornament but also symbolises the human journey towards perfection
and their relationship with God. This concept represents the four main elements of
life: God, humanity, the heavens, the earth, and all its contents. However, in the Palu
Valley, with its history of migration of the Bugis-Makassar ethnic group, these
values have begun to degrade due to globalisation, acculturation in form, materials,
function, interest, and the younger generation's understanding of ancestral
traditions. As a result, Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na has become increasingly rare in
the traditional wedding ceremonies of the Bugis-Makassar-Kaili ethnic community,
known as “To Kaili.” This research employs a qualitative method, which is then
analysed descriptively to identify the reasons behind the degradation of the
Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na cultural symbol. The aim of this research is examine
the degradation of the Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na cultural symbol and to explore the
potential for reinvigorating its traditional values. This investigation seeks to
identity how these values can be integrated into contemporary architecture to
promote sustainable development. The results show that although degradation has
occurred, a small part of the Bugis-Makassar-Kaili community continues to strive to
preserve their cultural identity, including their responsibility to protect nature.
This study recommends integrating Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na values into urban
development concepts to realise sustainable development.
Keywords: Walasuji Sulapa Eppa'na, To Kaili, Local Wisdom Values, Palu Valley,
Sustainable Development.
INTRODUCTION
The culture of Palu City, associated with the Kaili ethnic group, has a historical connection with
the Bugis-Makassar ethnic group, dating back to the 8th to 9th century AD [1]. In La Galigo, it is
narrated that Sawerigading once visited the land of Kaili, marking the beginning of interactions
between the two ethnic groups in Palu Bay. The migration of the seafaring Bugis-Makassar
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 12, Issue 01, January-2025
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
people from South Sulawesi to Central Sulawesi had a significant influence. They settled around
Palu Bay and into the Palu Valley, forming new communities through processes of
acculturation, diffusion, and assimilation. This community became known as “To Kaili.” [2], who
are now the predominant population in Palu City. Therefore, it can be said that the culture
which has had the most significant impact on the development of “To Kaili” culture in Palu City
is that of the Bugis-Makassar ethnic group [3].
According to Mattulada, the Bugis-Makassar culture has had a profound influence on “To Kaili.”
culture, as described in his work “The Cultural History of To Kaili” [4]. To Kaili is an ethnic group
with a strong identity defined by their language, customs, communal solidarity, genealogical
kinship, and territorial awareness, which serve as a social adhesive and distinguish them from
other groups.
One of the Bugis-Makassar traditions influencing the descendants of the Bugis-Makassar-Kaili
ethnic group in the Palu Valley can be seen in wedding ceremonies. In these ceremonies, there
is usually a baruga or gate called Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na, placed in front of the bride's home.
This structure is made from carefully selected bamboo woven into a geometric pattern
resembling stacked rhombuses, known as Sulapa Eppa'na. The pattern is believed to have
originated from the Lontara script [5], the Bugis-Makassar alphabet system initially inscribed
on lontar palm leaves [6] [7] [8]. This script was later simplified by Daeng Pamatte, a
harbourmaster of the Gowa Kingdom [9].
Figure 1: The Origins of the Sulapa Eppa'na Shape, in the Meaning of the New Lontara Script
Source: https://www.dailysports.id/umum/14956/aksara-lontara
Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na symbolises the key elements of life: God, humanity, the heavens, the
earth, and all its contents [6], representing the connection between the macrocosm and
microcosm. The microcosm includes air, water, fire, and earth, forming a unified whole within
human life [10]. The Bugis-Makassar community upholds the principles of Sulapa Eppa'na to
preserve local wisdom values, creating harmony between humans and their environment, thus
manifesting their culture as a reflection of cosmography.
This tradition was brought by Bugis-Makassar migrants to the Palu Bay area. However, the
Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na symbol has now become increasingly rare in the wedding ceremonies
of the younger generation of the Bugis-Makassar-Kaili “To Kaili” ethnic community in Palu City.
One cause of the degradation of local cultural values is the impact of globalisation [11] [12] [13],
which presents challenges of modernisation through advancements in communication and
information technology. This has influenced societal behavioural patterns, particularly among
the younger generation, both positively and negatively.
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Saleh, M., Mulyati, A., & Sirajuddin, Z. (2025). Sulapa Eppa’na of Walasuji: A Sustainable Concept of Buginess Traditions for Sustainable Development
in Palu, Indonesia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 12(1). 43-59.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.121.18047
One of its negative effects is the emergence of lifestyles that tend to prioritise materialism and
individualism [2] [14]. Without the reinforcement of local wisdom values, people’s lifestyles
and mindsets drift further from ancestral culture, ultimately leading to alienation from cultural
heritage [2].
The local wisdom of Walasuji - Sulapa Eppa'na is increasingly eroded by the changing times and
a preference for efficient lifestyles. The process of its creation, which was once carried out
through gotong-royong (mutual cooperation), has now been replaced by simpler modern
decorations. As a result, the understanding of the values and meaning behind Walasuji - Sulapa
Eppa'na is fading. Many members of society now prefer modern cultural expressions, which are
perceived as more practical compared to traditional ones [15], Consequently, the younger
generation is becoming less interested in learning about and inheriting their ancestral heritage.
The values embodied in Sulapa Eppa'na reflect local wisdom in environmental preservation
through sustainable practices, such as efficient water resource management [16], which serves
as renewable energy utilisation, including wind energy [17]. Furthermore, sustainable
development is closely related to the soil ecosystem, encompassing the preservation of soil
microbiomes and the prevention of soil degradation as the foundation of urban ecosystems
[18]. Meanwhile, fire can be harnessed as an alternative energy source by converting
combustion heat into electricity using Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) technology [19], which
operates based on the Seebeck effect. This technology has the potential to be an
environmentally friendly solution [20] by optimising agricultural, industrial, office, and
household waste to produce renewable electrical energy through heat conversion.
Culture, as a vital element of life, requires special attention in its revitalisation [21]. The
integration of cultural values into urban development can maintain a balance between physical
and non-physical aspects [22]. Traditional art applied in urban development becomes an
essential strategy for achieving sustainable development, reflecting human life rooted in
spiritual values, including religiosity, architecture, art, philosophy, and governance [2].
Revitalisation does not solely aim to create visually beautiful spaces but also meaningful and
engaging ones [22]. A holistic approach based on local wisdom, adapted to modern
environmental challenges, is urgently needed. The uniqueness of local wisdom can also support
the creative economy of communities. Therefore, revitalising local wisdom through community
contributions is essential, not only for achieving sustainable development but also for enriching
the social and cultural aspects at the local level [17].
LITERATURE REVIEW
Local culture is a distinctive identity that differentiates a community from other nations [23].
Traditional art, apart from its aesthetic value, also contains values and life strategies that need
to be understood and implemented in daily activities [24]. Local cultural values play a
significant role in shaping the identity and character of a community [25]. The active
contribution of the local community is a key factor in the preservation of culture itself [26],
which can support sustainable development, strengthen cultural identity, and improve
community welfare [27].
Local wisdom represents a heritage of knowledge [28], skills, and values passed down through
generations within a community [29]. With the active involvement of the community in