Back to Search Start Over

Is Custom a Tool for Remedying or Reinforcing Social Inequalities? New Strategies for Dialogue and Peace in Maluku, Indonesia.

Authors :
Sienkiewicz, Simona
Source :
Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology. Feb2022, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p20-39. 20p.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Maluku experienced one of Indonesia's most serious conflicts following the fall of Suharto in 1998. The peaceful reconciliation that eventually occurred is reported to be mainly based on tradition (adat) to rebuild bridges between the religious communities. However, emphasis on processes of peacebuilding through inter religious dialogue and lack of support for interethnic or intergenerational dialogue have enhanced forms of social inequality. This article engages with selected village communities in Ambon and West Seram, where, assisted by a few local representatives, I identified three potential fields for creative peacebuilding that also aim to address emerging inequalities: identity building based on local traditions, protection of the environment and interethnic dialogue. Examples of locally rooted measures with potential for sustained peacebuilding include the Pukul Sapu ceremony in Morela (Ambon), the sasi ritual in Niwelehu (Seram) and building relations between diverse ethnic groups based on religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14442213
Volume :
23
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
155833023
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/14442213.2021.2007280