The Bugis are an ethnic group from the southern part of Sulawesi, Indonesia. They are known for their rich maritime culture and history as skilled sailors and traders. The Bugis language is part of the Austronesian language family, and the community has a strong tradition of storytelling and oral history. Historically, the Bugis have been influential in the region, establishing powerful kingdoms and engaging in trade across the Indonesian archipelago. They are also recognized for their unique social structure, which includes a system of gender roles that allows for multiple gender identities, including the bissu, who are considered spiritual leaders.