In the late 1950's, movements against the Indonesian government were led by youth groups throughout the island of Sulawesi. In the Tomini region these revolts reached a peak with the Permesta Rebellion of the 1960's. Some earn their living as traders, and others as lumberjacks or sailors. Tomini villages are characterized by small houses that are built on stilts. These are mainly located along the coastal strips of the island.
Marriages follow a Muslim pattern.
A middleman negotiates the bride price, which depends on the girl's social status. Once married, a couple usually lives with their extended family, often until the first child is born. Muslim traders from Arabia and India were among the first to introduce Islam to Indonesia. The Tomini are mainly Sunni Muslim , a branch of Islam that adheres to orthodox tradition. However, many are less strict in their Islamic practices than are the Muslims in other Arab countries.