Ethnographic Study of The Andio Tribe in Masama Sub District

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an in-depth examination of the social and cultural life of the Andio people living in Masama Sub-district, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi. The Andio people are an ethnic minority group with distinctive linguistic systems, social structures and a cultural heritage rooted in the history of the Tompotika Kingdom. However, their existence has received relatively little attention in academic research. This study employs a qualitative approach using ethnographic methods, utilising data collection techniques such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentary and literature reviews. The results of the study indicate that the Andio community continues to uphold cultural values through customary systems, language, and social practices passed down through generations. The Andio language (Tae-tae Mobaala) serves as the primary identity, although the number of speakers is currently declining due to the influence of modernisation and population mobility. Social structures such as Bosano, Bolia and Tongkol continue to play a vital role in maintaining the social and cultural balance of the community. This study also found that the main challenges in preserving the culture of the Andio people lie in the lack of new generations of language speakers and the absence of systematic cultural documentation. Therefore, collaborative efforts are required between the community, the government, and academics to safeguard the existence of Andio culture through education, cultural digitisation, and the strengthening of local identity. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the development of cultural anthropology studies and serve as a reference for the preservation of local cultures in Indonesia.