Their legend grew due to the horrifying tales of early European sailors. As the fiercest pirates in the archipelago, Bugis men used to prey upon European trading ships entering the Straits of Malacca. The sailors who made it back alive told tale after tale of battles on the sea, of ransacked ships and stolen goods and, above all, of the fierce pirates whose mere image struck fear into every European sailor… “the Bugimen.” Imagine the rugged sailor in the European marketplace with a defiant child alongside him. He turns to the boy with a sinister gleam and eerily warns, “You better behave my boy… or the „Boogeyman‟ will get you.” In modern-day Indonesia around Lake Tempe and Lake Sidenreng in South Sulawesi, Bugis carry on the tradition of sailing and fishing, even if they have lost the mystique once harbored by European sailors. For centuries, they were primarily rice farmers. However, many are now successful merchants and traders in their respective fields. Like the days of old, they still have a reputation for being fierce, war-like and industrious.
When Did They Come to New York?
As governmental persecution spread throughout Indonesia in the late 1990s, many Bugis began immigrating to New York. They came due to the lure of freedom and, of course, due to the overwhelming economic and educational opportunities. It is estimated that there are approximately 70 Bugis now living in the New York City Metro area. At least a small percentage of these do not have proper documentation to be in the country.
Where Do They Live?
Nestled into the growing Indonesian enclave, Bugis have settled in the Elmhurst, Corona and Woodside areas of Queens.
When Did They Come to New York?
As governmental persecution spread throughout Indonesia in the late 1990s, many Bugis began immigrating to New York. They came due to the lure of freedom and, of course, due to the overwhelming economic and educational opportunities. It is estimated that there are approximately 70 Bugis now living in the New York City Metro area. At least a small percentage of these do not have proper documentation to be in the country.
Where Do They Live?
Nestled into the growing Indonesian enclave, Bugis have settled in the Elmhurst, Corona and Woodside areas of Queens.