Abstract
Arat Sabulungan is an indigenous religious practice of the ethnic people on Mentawai Island, Indonesia. This religious practice underscores the teaching of the importance of a pure environment for all living beings. Its teaching not only becomes a dogma, but also a guiding principle, a direction, and a way of life in the epistemological perspective. Furthermore, the deterioration of environmental life invites indigenous spirituality, as religious eco-theological education internalises ethical values to make people aware of their surrounding environment. This research employs a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to delve into the emic perspective of Arat Sabulungan. I argue that Arat Sabulungan, as an indigenous spirituality, reinforces the ethical values of eco-theology as a commitment spiritual in addressing global environmental issues. The research findings show that Arat Sabulungan advocates the implementation of religious practices as a commitment spiritual in the epistemological practice for a global perspective. In conclusion, the research highlights that the indigenous religious practices should never be abandoned, but to be embrace as a way of life in keeping the environment through religious eco-theology education.
Presenters
Halim WiryadinataLecturer, Theology/Christian Religious Education, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Indigenous Spiritualities in Global Perspective
KEYWORDS
Arat Sabulungan, Religious Practice, Indigenous Religious Practice, Ecology, Eco Theology
