Tori Bunggu: The Dilemma between Tradition and Modernization

“Tori Bunggu: The Dilemma Between Tradition and Modernization” explores the cultural journey and identity of the Tori Bunggu indigenous community, who inhabit the interior of Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi. With a mountainous backdrop that separates them from the outside world, the Tori Bunggu are known for their nomadic lifestyle and traditional homes made of wood and rattan built on trees. However, changing times have brought significant modernization to their lives. The film opens with an introduction to Jaya, a member of the Tori Bunggu community, who explains how little is known about their traditions. Together with Panggo, a traditional figure, the audience is invited to delve into the history of the Tori Bunggu, who were originally known as “Tori Binggi” due to their proximity to the coast before moving to the mountains during the Dutch colonial period. Now, they are known as “Tori Bunggu,” a name that refers to their life in the mountains. Along the way, the film highlights how the younger generation of Tori Bunggu is increasingly influenced by modernization, neglecting traditional skills such as making traditional clothing from wood. Vayo, a traditional clothing craftsman, faces challenges in preserving his skills, as young people are not interested in learning them. He expresses his concern that this tradition will disappear if no one continues it. The film reveals the tension between preserving cultural heritage and facing the developments of the times. Through in-depth interviews and visual documentation, “Bunggu: The Dilemma between Tradition and Modernization” shows the community’s struggle to maintain their identity amid the tide of global change, while depicting the richness of the traditions they are trying to preserve.