In this article, the pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of oil sands from Buton, Indonesia were investigated. The results show that Buton oil sand has high oil content, analyzed by Fischer assay analysis and Dean-Stark extraction, and a retorting temperature of which should be controlled at 480-500 degrees C. Differential thermal analysis was used to investigate pyrolysis kinetics and weight loss occurring mainly from 280 to 480 degrees C, which is similar to that of Fischer assay analysis. The apparent activation energy, E, of samples is about 190 kJ.mol(-1), which is calculated by the maximum pyrolysis rate method. Researches show that Buton oil sand's application is a good prospect.