Today, people of Tukangbesi origin live throughout much of eastern Indonesia. Seafaring is considered men's work, along with ironworking, boat building, brass and silver manufacturing, and most of working the fields. Pottery, weaving, preparing meals, doing domestic work, and managing the family's money are the women's primary jobs. Tukangbesi houses are raised above ground and built of sturdy planks. The roofs are made of small planks, palm leaves, or iron, and the houses have only a few windows.
Most villages have markets where woven silk, cotton, and other fabrics are traded.
Many villages also have small stores, and peddlers may be seen selling various items. Although parents are involved in the arrangement of the marriages, the young people are free to choose their partners. After marriage, the couple lives with the bride's family until the husband can build his own house. Infants are reared by both father and mother alike. Education is highly valued for both boys and girls in Tukangbesi society.