The Sustainability of the Jingitiu Belief Tradition in Indonesia: Challenges and Future of the Ancestral Religion of the Sabu Tribe in East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

This paper examines the resilience and sustainability of Jingitiu, the ancestral religion of the Sabu tribe on Sabu Island, Indonesia. Despite significant decline since the 19th century due to conversions to Christianity and Islam, Jingitiu persists. Using a case study approach with data from interviews, observations, and literature review, this research identifies key factors for its endurance. These include the continuation of ritual practices, performing arts, and the economic empowerment of the indigenous community. The study also explores socio-cultural relationships between Jingitiu, Muslim, and Christian communities. Legally recognized by the Indonesian Constitutional Court, Jingitiu demonstrates how an ancestral faith can endure by asserting its identity and adapting to modernity. It plays a vital role in preserving local cultural heritage, thereby reinforcing national identity.