The Lontara script is a writing system used primarily for the Bugis, Makassarese, and Mandar languages in Indonesia. It is an abugida, meaning each character represents a consonant with an inherent vowel sound that can be modified with diacritics. The script has historical significance, dating back to the 16th century, and is often used in traditional literature and documents. Lontara is written from left to right and consists of 23 basic characters. It has been adapted for various purposes, including religious texts and poetry. The script is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Bugis people and reflects their linguistic identity.