By: M. Farid W Makkulau, Researcher of Bissu Communities
ETTAPEDIA.ORG – Hearing the word of ‘Bissu’, the memory of everyone in the Bugis and Makassar peoples must be the figure of a malebbi (graceful or unique) pre-Islamic bugis preacher during the reign is still on going. Bissu is a community of preservers of tradition, culture, and old beliefs held by ancient Bugis society long before the influence of Islam entered.
In the golden age of the kingdom in South Sulawesi, none of the ceremonies or congregations are complete without Bissu involvement because this transvestite community (the man who dresses and behaves like a transvestite) is the keeper of the royal and religious greatness of the time. They are also implementers of ritual ceremonies, some of which are still being implemented.
If many people are familiar with Bissu with its distinctive maggiri’ dance art, it is not the case with To Boto, a figure that is considered ‘unimportant’ by many peoples, but it is enough to determine the perfect role that should be developed by a Bissu.
To Boto, in the understanding of people living in the community of Bissu, as Bissu’s assistants or assistants. Not many people understand the true function of To Boto, other than as a person who helps prepare all the supplies and needs of Bissu.
In the tradition of the past, To Boto’s real meaning is ‘life companion’. In fact, not much can be revealed from the bissu tradition and daily life in the past, let alone about the sexual life and the household. Their figures and behavior is relatively not too open, while the surrounding community itself is not too intervene or take care.
Bissu is very closed, especially regarding their sexual lives, as well as their appearance and behavior, because of their spirituality tied. This may sound quite strange as to whether a bissu also has a ‘track record’ in “sexual relationships”, as well as the girlish transvestites of the present day, which have much to say in terms of sexuality and sensuality.
Bissu community actually has a ban to have sex. If lately appear the tendency of the bissu have a life partner called “to boto”, of course this is so gossip in the community.
“To boto” or someone who calls it kaik, it must be a man. Former Bissu Eka, once claimed to have To Boto, although denied that To Boto is a lover, like a male-female love relationship. To Boto is recognized only as a maid and a companion in fulfilling the task and role of bissu.
In his daily life, a To Boto is required to come voluntarily to Bissu’s house, helping to serve all the needs of Bissu, of course will be busy again if the Bissu is preparing an event, for example related Ceremonies, and so forth. Generally a To Boto also has the nature are soft and smooth like woman, the gay and though bearded, her appearance remains is soft and smooth.
The To Boto is allowed to serve a Bissu in a minimum period of three years and during that time, all costs and necessities of his life are borne by the Bissu.
According to Former Bissu, Eka, Bissu must release To Boto if he has lived together for three years. The To boto then had to be married to another person on the dependent Bissu, because Bissu considered to have blocked his rejection, because for three years he did not get along with women.
Bissu actually does not appear everyday, so it becomes a question, what role is actually done by a To Boto so required “help bissu everyday”. This becomes a question asked, what needs to boto-must serve every day with the necessity come everyday for three years. Former Bissu, Eka declined to comment, her To Boto, known as Rustam, also did not want to explain it.
In the pre-Islamic Bugis treasures, in fact if indeed a Bissu intend to find a boyfriend or a friend of life, in fact it is as easy as flicking fingers because among the knowledge they mastered, there is the science of charm like cenning rara, a kind of magic science to attract anyone, both opponents and fellow type. Can even be used to trade or make up the bride to look beautiful and elegant in the eyes of the invitation.
To control of libido, in the ancient Bugis tradition that was also embraced by the past of Bissu, there is the teachings of tu-riolo called “paneddineng parinnyameng”.
This means “delusions that bring favors,” or about actions that can satisfy libido without having sex, but through a spiritual process. If this myth is a long time ago, there is still a certain stream in the Bugis Society that is practicing it today. Unfortunately, the present Bissu no one has learned it. (Makkulau, 2008). (*)
(* Tulisan ini pernah pula dipublikasi di Media Palontaraq, Tanggal 21 Maret 2017
