Luwu in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Luwu live in the Luwu and North Luwu regencies in the province of South Sulawesi. Their primary domicile is near the Kalaena River. In the Pangkep regency, there is a cave named Supang Bita, which is reputed to be the home of Luwu's ancestors who lived over 5,000 years ago. On the wall of Sumpang Bita there is an old drawing of the palm of a man's hand, the sole of a man's foot, a boat, a deer and a wild boar. It is thought that these elements show the former lifestyle of the Luwu people. Ancient artifacts from 300-100 B.C. have been discovered in the Tomatua Kaciacang cave. Other archeological sites in the area include Bole Batu cave (in the Barebo District) and Pattae cave (in Turikale Distict).
The Luwu are historically considered one people group. The Kingdom of Luwu (also Luwuq or Wareq) is the oldest Kingdom in South Sulawesi. Residents living in the territory of the former Kingdon of Luwu consider themselves Luwu people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Luwu generally live as farmers. Besides planting rice, they also grow corn, peanuts, chili peppers, cassava and potatoes. They also grow coffee and cloves for trading. Some Luwu gather snails, eels and small fish from the irrigated rice fields that are not yet planted. Most farmers use water buffalo to plow their rice fields. The Luwu are well known in the area for their houses and rice barns, which are decorated with complex carvings. Many houses also have large statues of wealthy Luwu nobles. Luwu villages are small and either located on hills or spread along a plain. These villages consist of extended families, with four to six families living together in one house. They stress the importance of diligence, respecting their elders and putting the needs of the family before the needs of the individual.
Luwu parents and older relatives sometimes arrange marriages, but today most young people are given permission to choose a spouse themselves. After marriage, the new couple may choose to live with either the husband's or the wife's family. An unusual form of adoption is frequent among the Luwu. They believe that family bonds can be broadened and made stronger by allowing relatives or friends to adopt their children. The children end up being raised by both their original parents and their adoptive parents.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In 1605, Luwu's ruler, La Patiwareq, Daeng Pareqbung became the first South Sulawesi ruler to embrace Islam. Since that time, all the Luwu have followed Sunni Islam. Despite this history, all sorts of animistic practices influence their culture. Among the Luwu, burial is an extremely important event. They believe that this ceremony enables the deceased person to leave the world of the living and continue the journey to the hereafter. Their burial ceremony varies in length and complexity, depending on one's wealth and status.

What Are Their Needs?

The Luwu need to be introduced to modern farming of a more practical and productive nature to replace their traditional methods. They also need training to improve crop production for increased revenue.

Prayer Points

Pray for Luwu farmers to experience an exceptionally large crop this year as a testimony of God’s absolute power and goodness.
Pray for them to be open to the ways of Jesus, even to the point of enduring persecution and loss of family.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project