<![CDATA[This study examines the cultural mechanisms behind the determination of dowries and uang panai—a form of traditional Bugis bridewealth—in marriage practices in Cempa District, Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, data were collected through field research, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews with community leaders, parents, and local residents. Data were analyzed through psychological, sociological, and theological perspectives to uncover both normative practices and underlying values. Findings suggest that dowry and uang panai are not merely economic exchanges but are seen as symbols of family honor, social responsibility, and marital commitment. The amount is influenced by the bride’s family’s expectations, with factors such as education, reputation, and status playing a role. Traditionally, decisions were made by elders and linked to arranged marriages. Today, the process is more flexible and negotiable, reflecting socio-economic changes and growing autonomy in marriage. Despite these shifts, dowry and uang panai remain cultural instruments reinforcing communal values and legitimizing unions in Bugis society. This study highlights the interaction between tradition and modernity in Islamic marriage and how cultural continuity persists through adaptation.]]>
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