(also Buginese), a people in Indonesia. The Bugi and the related Makassarese inhabit the southwestern regions of the island of Sulawesi. Population, approximately 3 million (1967 estimate). They speak Buginese; they have had their own writing system, folklore, and literature since the 14th or 15th century. Their religion is Islam, although vestiges of Hinduism and animistic beliefs still survive. Their chief occupations are farming (rice, corn, sugarcane, and so on), some livestock raising (buffalo, horses, cows, goats, and sheep), sea and river fishing, various handicrafts, and trade.