In facing the development of the modern world, traditional societies are often faced with dilemmas. Between maintaining their cultural values and traditions or adopting new elements brought by modernity.
One interesting example to analyze is how the Sumbanese people maintain Marapu traditional values. As well as their belief systems and customs, amidst the current of modernization which increasingly influences everyday life.
The traditions of the Marapu indigenous people are a rich cultural heritage from the people of Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Marapu is not just a belief system, but also includes social norms, rituals and art that permeate the daily life of the Sumbanese people. Therefore, understanding and maintaining Marapu values is the key to preserving their cultural identity.
With the introduction of technology, globalization, and socio-economic changes, the people of Sumba are faced with pressure to adapt to modern trends and changes. The main challenge is how they can align Marapu values with the demands and dynamics of the modern world without compromising their cultural integrity.
This is in line with the story of the Marungga Foundation's struggle to maintain Marapu's trust amidst the complexity of ongoing issues of justice, human rights and social change. Anton Jamawara, Director of the Marungga Foundation, at an 'inclusive chat' held by KEMITRAAN on July 8 2023, shared the story of how they are at the forefront of this effort, presenting the voice of the Marapu indigenous people and building a bridge towards their equal rights and recognition.
In 2016, the Constitutional Court (MK) decision created important momentum for Marapu adherents. This decision recognizes the significance of religion for population administration, providing a legal basis regarding Marapu's religious identity. Data shows that in East Sumba alone, there are 16,800 people who uphold Marapu values, accounting for around 55 percent of the total population of Sumba and 105,000 throughout Indonesia.
"The main challenge for Marapu adherents is not just belief, but also basic citizenship rights," said Anton Jamawara.
Marapu is faced with the state's lack of recognition in recognizing local religions, which has given rise to layered violence in various aspects of life. Especially related to issues of children, women and disabilities, where the 2017 Constitutional Court decision No. 97 is an important foothold in fighting for the recognition of their rights, especially regarding the rights of children, women and people with disabilities.
"Actually, what is interesting for us is that if we look at it from a formal juridical perspective, Article 29 in the Constitution is clear and final because it talks about freedom of belief and belief," explained Anton.
However, Marapu is not just a belief; it is a symbol of harmony and balance between humans, each other, and nature. These values have been an inseparable part of the lives of the people of East Sumba since ancient times, before the concept of ecology was even known.
In the context of women's recognition and child marriage, Anton emphasized that we must be careful about this, which is also a challenge to this day. At Maranggu Foundation, it is known as marapu ornament, which is to fulfill the identity of marapu to do something.
"Regarding the fact that he can be caught in marriage and make children into slaves and forced to marry, that does happen and we saw it for ourselves. However, they see it as a cultural context. Because Sumba is famous for its social layers. "However, what must be remembered is that not all of these things happen because now they are already aware of human rights," he explained.
In Marapu, traditional rituals will not take place if there are no women, and every decision must be conveyed to the women. "It is important for us to understand Marapu culture in general so as not to misinterpret it," said Anton. "But in a truly Marapu context, he talks about children's rights and recognizing the role of women."
Maintaining the value of Marapu for future generations involves two main aspects. First, through local leadership held by traditional elders who transfer knowledge through a storytelling approach. Second, the establishment of traditional schools to preserve cultural knowledge and local wisdom, with the aim of ensuring that these values can be passed down between generations.
Anton Jamawara highlighted the complexity of the challenges, especially in the context of trust education regulations. Education and Culture No. 27 of 2016 became the basis for the Marungga Foundation's efforts to advocate for children's education in East Sumba.
“It's not about not being able to go to school. Social context in the sense that Marapu people have not yet accessed Aminduk. Haven't changed or managed it yet. Aminduk is the basis of all basic services. "Because that's all the center," he added.
Currently, there are six model schools that implement trust education services, but challenges still arise, especially regarding local education instruments and standards. One of the positive achievements is the collaboration with the Supreme Council of Indonesian Trusts, which produced a guidebook for Marapu schools. This book is a guide for extension workers and has been replicated in various regions in Indonesia, namely Yogyakarta and Sulawesi.
The biggest challenge remains in policies that can be evenly distributed throughout society. How Marapu's local culture and wisdom can survive through leadership solidarity and storytelling is a big hope for the Marunagga Foundation. With this effort, it is hoped that Marapu can continue to live and make a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's cultural diversity.
“Marapu found layers of violence. Never mind, he is an ethnic minority and the local religion is also not recognized by the state. "Intervening in Marapu is not a matter of belief, but what we see is how their rights are equal to others, for example access to education, health services and access to the environment," he concluded.
