Abstract
Traditional beliefs based on religion have served as a direction for people's lives in interpreting life. Life guidelines received from good education might represent wise methods of dealing with nature. This study aimed: (1) to examine the tradition of using cave water in the Mandati and Wanci tribes, (2) to examine the traditional value and meaning to develop sustainable ecotourism. The research used a qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach to explain facts, meanings, and traditional values of using cave water. Data were obtained through participant observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature study. Data were analyzed using triangulation. Informants were selected from various groups: traditional leaders, government, community leaders. The reseach revealed that there are four traditions that use water go for traditional purposes, namely: (1) Ufe Karia Mbo'u Mbo'u, (2) Ufe Karia Ntooge/Hoporuku, (3) Ufe Heraha Kuni, and (4) Ufe Kafi (Wedding traditional water). The tribes believed that cave water was highly beneficial for healing, bringing blessings and health, fortune, and for the soul. The cave water is specifically used for Ufe Karia, which symbolizes native behavior in keeping the cave's culture, rituals, and water resources. The community used this tradition to purify, protect and baptize Wakatobi children in preparation for adulthood. Moreover, the wisdom in this tradition aimed to support ecotourism in Wakatobi Regency.
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