Towuti

Towuti is a term used for two related geographic features in South Sulawesi, Indonesia: Lake Towuti (Danau Towuti), a large freshwater lake, and Towuti District (Kecamatan Towuti), an administrative district in East Luwu Regency named after the lake. Lake Towuti is part of the Malili lake system, along with Lake Matano and Lake Mahalona, and lies near the town of Malili. The three lakes are linked by waterways and contribute to the region’s hydrology, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.

The Malili lake system sits within a mountainous, volcanic terrain and supports a variety of aquatic and terrestrial life. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, clear waters, and ecological significance. Environmental pressures include sedimentation from land-use change, deforestation, and mining-related activities in parts of Luwu Regency, prompting conservation and monitoring efforts by local authorities and researchers.

Towuti District encompasses rural settlements around the lake and adjacent coastal areas. The local economy is based on fishing, agriculture, and mineral resource extraction in parts of the regency, with growing interest in ecotourism tied to the lakes’ natural beauty and the surrounding scenery. The region has a long history of habitation by indigenous communities and lies within the broader Bugis–Makassar cultural sphere, with Indonesian and local languages spoken alongside traditional practices.