Southeast Sulawesi, Province with marine biodiversity in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Sulawesi Tenggara is a province in Indonesia covering the southeastern arm of Sulawesi and dozens of smaller islands, along with offshore archipelagos such as Wakatobi, Buton, and Muna. The terrain shifts between forested hills inland and flat coastal stretches where villages scatter along the waterlines.
Several kingdoms controlled the area centuries ago, before Javanese and Malay traders expanded influence and eventually Dutch colonial structures were introduced. The Indonesian government created the province in 1964 to simplify administration over the scattered islands and mainland.
Coastal communities follow rhythms set by tides and currents, with boats serving as transport for daily errands and ceremonial outings alike. Fishermen bring their catch directly to the beaches, where families spread nets and share the work, while villages hold their own festivals with dance and drums.
Roads along the coast link the main towns, but many islands are reached only by boat, with crossings taking several hours. The best months for calm water lie between April and November, while rainy season and winds complicate movement during the rest of the year.
Some offshore reefs rank among the most biodiverse dive sites in the world, holding more than 750 species of coral, though they lie far from regular tourist circuits. Few visitors know the region also shelters small caves in coastal cliffs once used as burial sites.
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