Kaobula – settlement in the Batupoaro district of Baubau city, on Buton Island
Kaobula is an Indonesian settlement that belongs to the Batupoaro district (kecamatan) within Baubau city. Baubau is a city in Southeast Sulawesi (Southeast Celebes) province and is located on Buton Island, which lies in the southern part of Celebes Island and is the largest island in the province. Based on its coordinates (-5.4577975, 122.5971103), Kaobula is located within the inner areas of the city. Direct, settlement-level statistical data is not currently available for this village; the following description therefore relies primarily on verified data concerning Baubau city and the broader regional context.
General overview
Kaobula belongs to the Batupoaro kecamatan, which is one of the administrative units of Baubau city. Baubau acquired its city status on June 21, 2001, under Law No. 13/2001, and has since been recognized as the second most populous city in Southeast Sulawesi province and, overall, as the eighth largest city in Celebes. According to 2018 data, Baubau's total population was 167,519 people, and its area was 295.072 km². The city's founding date is considered to be October 17, 1541: in that year, the Kingdom of Butoni transformed into the Sultanate of Butoni, when Lakilaponto was installed as the First Sultan of Butoni, taking the name Sultan Murhum Kaimuddin Khalifatul Khamis. This historical continuity remains defining in Baubau's cultural and local identity to this day, and the city is often referred to as the "city of a thousand forts." Kaobula, as one of the smaller, rural-character units of the city attached to the Batupoaro district, is situated within this broader urban and historical framework. Independent, publicly available economic or demographic data specific to the village is not available; living conditions and rural character here can be understood as part of the broader Baubau urban environment.
Real estate and investment
Specific real estate market data for Kaobula is not available; the following reflects the broader real estate and investment context of Baubau city. The regional gross domestic product of Baubau in 2007 was valued at 1,254.49 billion rupiah at current prices, making the city a significant economic player in the province. On Buton Island and in the district, the real estate market exhibits dynamics characteristic of small and medium-sized cities: prices are generally considerably lower than in larger Indonesian cities or tourism-developed areas, and demand is primarily determined by the local population, public sector employees, and workers arriving in the region. Foreign investment in Indonesian real estate falls under legal restrictions: Hak Milik (full ownership) is not available to foreign nationals, but under certain conditions it is possible to acquire property in the form of Hak Pakai (use rights) or through an Indonesian legal entity. Development opportunities in Kaobula and its immediate surroundings currently appear limited compared to larger infrastructure investments, although Baubau's urban expansion could have longer-term effects on neighboring districts as well.
Safety and security
No independent, verifiable, settlement-level statistics are available regarding the public safety situation in Kaobula. General observation regarding the broader region, Baubau city, and Southeast Sulawesi province is that smaller urban and rural areas in Indonesia are typically characterized by lower crime rates than larger, busy metropolitan centers. Baubau city itself is a relatively stable medium-sized city where everyday life generally follows the usual patterns of an Indonesian small city. It should be noted that on February 19, 2005, Baubau was struck by an earthquake measuring 6.9 in magnitude, which also serves as a reminder that natural disasters, particularly seismic activity, are a generally considered factor in the region. Those planning to stay in the area or purchase property would do well to consult local authorities and current sources for up-to-date information on the public safety situation.
Tourist attractions
No available source data exists regarding named tourist attractions specific to Kaobula village. The broader surrounding area, Baubau city, however, is regionally known for its historical sites and natural characteristics. The city's common name — the "city of a thousand forts" — suggests that the region possesses a rich cultural and historical heritage connected to the era of the Butoni Sultanate. Within Baubau's territory, traces of the sultanate's fortifications, memories of local data culture, and the natural landscape of Buton Island form the framework within which Kaobula is situated. For those wishing to explore the Batupoaro district or other parts of Baubau, the local tourism office or the Baubau city administration can provide current information on available attractions and routes. Kaobula itself likely functions more as a residential area rather than a tourist destination within the city.
Summary
Kaobula is a small Indonesian settlement in the Batupoaro kecamatan, as part of Baubau city, in Southeast Sulawesi province, on Buton Island. Independent demographic, economic, or tourism data for the village is not currently publicly available; its characteristics are best understood within the context of Baubau city, which is a medium-sized settlement that acquired city status in 2001, has a population exceeding 167,000, and possesses a rich historical past. Regarding investment and real estate market considerations, the Indonesian legal frameworks and market dynamics applicable to the broader region are authoritative. For more specific, current data related to Kaobula, it is advisable to consult local government sources.
