PARTNERSHIP in collaboration with BaKTI Foundation, and Rumah Generasi participated in organizing the sixth International Conference on Indigenous Religions (ICIR) in Ambon City. This event is a routine international event to explore and celebrate the diversity of local religions and beliefs that also involve academics, researchers, and practitioners from all over the world to share knowledge and experiences about indigenous religions and spiritual practices that live in society.
As part of the ICIR agenda, KEMITRAAN, BaKTI Foundation and Rumah Generasi held a side event by watching the film "Mentawai: Soul of The Forest“. This film is a work that explores the beauty and complexity of the life of the Mentawai tribe, who live in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Set against the backdrop of lush tropical forests rich in biodiversity, this film not only presents stunning visuals but also raises profound themes about sustainability, culture, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Mentawai Tribe have traditions and ways of life that are very much tied to nature. They are known for their sustainable hunting, gathering, and farming habits. This film depicts how the Mentawai tribe adapts their lives to their surroundings, and how they utilize natural resources without damaging the ecosystem.
"The film Mentawai: Soul of The Forest depicts the spiritual relationship of the Mentawai indigenous people with the forest, which they consider to be a source of life and cultural identity," said Martison Siritoitet, the film's initiator during a discussion at the film screening.
Martison also said that every traditional house called Uma has a spirit from the ancestral era. So if you are going to renovate a house or, then it is necessary to perform a ritual led by Sikerei, the Mentawai traditional elder. This aims to maintain harmony with the ancestral spirits.
This screening is open to the public and was also attended by students of IAKN Kota Ambon, the Maluku Deaf Community, and the general public. Nurul, one of the representatives of the Maluku Deaf Community expressed her appreciation after the screening of the film using sign language.
"I am happy with the film that was just shown, and I am waiting for the next similar film," said Nurul using sign language.
Film as an art form plays an important role in realizing democracy, both as a means of expression and as a means of communication. Both are able to create a space for dialogue that opens up discussions about social, political, and cultural issues. Through film works, we can convey critical views on issues and public policies in order to encourage advocacy efforts and invite the public to think critically so that they are able to participate in the democratic process.
Mentawai: Soul of The Forest is able to create a relevant narrative that can help change people's perspectives on certain issues, creating collective awareness that is essential in a democratic society. This film can also inspire the audience to better understand and appreciate democratic values.
This 2019 film also presents a picture of the situation of the Mentawai indigenous people who at that time experienced water problems due to deforestation. And until now, the situation is still very relevant. Martison said in the discussion that through the film, he and the Mentawai Cultural Education Foundation (YPBM) also pushed this issue through advocacy through film media. This shows that film is not only a means of entertainment, but also a vital tool in encouraging active community participation, strengthening democratic values, and creating an inclusive dialogue space.
Delon, one of the participants from IAKN Ambon said that through this film he could see efforts to preserve culture, especially for the younger generation. Delon in the discussion also said that in his community, now the culture of the previous parents is fading in the younger generation, so there needs to be media in an effort to rebuild customs and culture.
