 A Loinang (Saluan) man, December 1919. | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 200,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Indonesia (Central Sulawesi) | |
| Languages | |
| Saluan language | |
| Religion | |
| Islam (majority),Protestantism,Folk religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Banggai • Balantak • Andio |
TheSaluan people are anethnic group inhabiting the region ofBanggai Regency,Central Sulawesi,Indonesia. According to the 2016 population census, the Saluan population is approximately 200,000. The original Saluan are the Loinang people, meaning 'mountain people', corresponding to their traditional home in mountainous areas.[1]
The Saluan are a major ethnic group in theBanggai Regency. The name Saluan comes from one of the three children of a former local king: King Saluan was the youngest. The Saluan are divided into several subgroups: Saluan Lingketeng, Saluan Loinang, and Saluan Obo. The main difference between these subgroups lies in their dialects, originating from their respective regions:
TheSaluan language consists of four dialects: Saluan Gonohop (spoken in Gonohop Village, Simpang Raya District, Banggai), Saluan Kintom (spoken in Tolando, Batui District, Banggai, and Alindau, Sindue Tobata District, Donggala), Saluan Kalia (spoken in Kalia Village, To Talatako District, Tojo Una-Una), andBobongko (spoken in Togean District, Tojo Una-Una). The difference between these dialects ranges from 56% to 74%.
Dialect studies show that Saluan as a whole is a distinct language, with 81%–100% difference compared to other Central Sulawesi languages, such asPamona.[2]
Traditional Saluan clothing includes distinct male and female attire, used in welcoming ceremonies, traditional events, and other rituals. Saluan male attire includes a yellow shirt calledpakeh nu boune with buttons, while female attire consists of a yellow long skirt calledrok mahantan and accessories such as bracelets (potto), chains (kalong), hair ornaments (suntiang), earrings (suntiang,jaling), belts (ban pinggang), and necklaces (matahari).[3]
The Saluan practice a welcoming ritual calledumapos, where two men perform ceremonial roles, offering respect and protection to visiting guests. Guests of goodwill are then greeted with yellow rice thrown in the direction of the guests and their boats, along with praises to God through song.[4]
Another important Saluan custom istooth filing, known asmonggisin, a mandatory ritual for young men and women before entering adulthood or marriage. This practice is especially common among the Loinang subgroup.[5]
