On December 8 2023, the East Sumba District Prosecutor's Office established a close partnership with the East Sumba Regency Government and Sumba Integrated Development through holding outreach and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The event specifically aims to increase legal assistance for adherents of the Marapu faith, especially in indigenous communities.
In this activity, important figures were present including the Regent of East Sumba, Regional Secretary of East Sumba Regency, Head of the Education Service, Head of the Population & Civil Registration Service, Head of the Tourism and Culture Service, Kaban Kesbangpol, Head of Cooperation Division of the Regional Secretariat, School Principals, High School Korwas East Sumba Regency, Marapu Management Board, Sumba Integrated Development, Marapu faith leaders, East Sumba Regency lii Marapu working group, as well as Marapu faith counselors.
In the substance of the MoU that has been agreed, there are several main points that reflect joint commitment. Namely, including including religious identity in population documents and marriage registration. Also, registration of organizations that believe in God Almighty, and education in carrying out supervision of belief and religious sects.
It is hoped that this MoU will have a significant positive impact. For example, the realization of better legal assistance for adherents of the Marapu faith. Apart from that, it is hoped that there will be synergy between institutions as well as collaborative and accommodative cooperation between them.
As one of the institutions involved, the Bumi Lestari Institute expressed its gratitude for the support from the East Sumba Regency Government and the Waingapu District Prosecutor's Office. They welcome this good collaboration and are committed to continuing to work together synergistically.
However, the journey to reach this MoU was not easy. The Bumi Lestari Institute together with the Marapu indigenous community face various challenges. For example, the lack of inclusion of religious identity in population documents and mass marriage services that have not been implemented in full.
However, the Bumi Lestari Institute. Marungga, and the Marapu indigenous community continue to encourage the district government to guarantee the basic rights of indigenous people.
After the MoU is signed, the Bumi Lestari Institute will carry out outreach and encourage the implementation of this MoU at the village level. In this way, it is hoped that the implementation of the MoU can have a positive impact on the Marapu indigenous community in East Sumba Regency.
Thus, this collective agreement is an important step in bringing about positive change. Especially for followers of the Marapu belief system. Also, it proves our shared commitment to ensure their rights are well protected.
