Maintaining Tolerance in East Sumba

Participant’s reflection on Exploring Sumba program

(Mutiara Srikandi)

My name is Mutiara Srikandi from Bandung, West Java, studying in Department of Interior Design, Indonesian Art Institute in Yogya. I got a chance to go to Sumba as a participant of Exploring Sumba program carried out by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta. This is the first time that a Moslem participant took part in the selection and was sent to Sumba. The Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta work team always make sure whether I am determined going to a place where many pigs and dogs are roaming. I always strengthen myself again "yes it's okay, I'm sure". ‘Lahaula’, there will always be a way for one who strives for goodness.

Before setting foot on Sumba, I had a lot of things to prepare and to consider about. From the aspects of environment, lifestyle, and religion that would be totally different from Java culture in general. After getting information about the place and environment to live there, I prepared mentally and physically to ensure myself so that I can run the program well.

That day eventually arrived. From the plane’s window, I saw the savanna expanse from the height. It caught my attention. I could not wait to set foot directly. I felt a weird maneuver of the aircraft when preparing to land at Umbu Mehang Kunda airport in Waingapu, perhaps it was caused by the airport location that is between hills. Finally, the adventure in Sumba started.

In Sumba I stayed at Elisabeth Uru Ndaya’ house, one of the activists of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta who had returned home, in Karunggu village, Nggaha Ori Angu district (Nggoa), East Sumba. Staying in a traditional Sumba house was a memorable experience because when I arrived the temperature was freezing, so we had to use a four-layers blanket, but I liked it. A woman who was familiarly called 'mama Domi' was always carefully asking about the menu for me. She was hesitant to prepare corn rice because she was afraid I did not like it. She told me that when she cooked she separated cooking utensils away from animals, because dogs and pigs roamed around the house, even she explained in detail to convince me that the food served was prepared based on Islamic law.

As a new person in this village, of course, my presence caught attention the people around because of my innocent behavior and questions that made them laugh and tell to their other families. Even though I am a Moslem, I did not feel isolated but they accepted me well and openly instead. Even when I was going to pray they sincerely fetched water for me even though the area was lack of water actually. I also came to church to introduce myself and program activity while in Sumba. Being known by the people formally in the church was an important part because the church plays role in the surrounding environment in the life of the community and the church can touch the lives of the community holistically.

Several times I attended traditional event of Sidhi (Christian confession), Belis (dowry) and other family events, and I found something unique about nose-kissing, by touching nose tip to other as expression of welcome and kinship. Further, at least five times I cut chicken in Islamic law, because they respected me as a Moslem at the event. Having meals and mingling with them in a meal looked so contrast when I ate chicken alone in the midst of people eating pork. At first people were hesitant, "Miss, is it okay for us to eat pork?" Asked one man who was hesitant to eat his meals. "It's okay, let's eat please," I replied, smiling at him. We had meals together deliciously, accepting the differences and respecting each other. They respected me for eating chicken alone, they did not let a drop of pork broth touch my plate. They looked after me well and I appreciated it, what a beautiful exchange that I saw in real.

On Sundays, I stayed at home to wait for my family coming home from church, heard the church bells and felt the warm morning atmosphere. Every child who passed by say ‘good morning’ as a morning greeting and this recurred when people were passing by. They were very friendly, while glancing at me as a guest in the village. I loved to be in the midst of local people who were joyful even though they lived modesty. The warmth of family was so felt that made me jealous because I lived in a big city that has been more individualistic. Here, relatives worked together to send their relatives to school, and there was no worry about lacking of food because they could visit other family's homes. Another togetherness that I found was when the people sang along with the dances that easterners Indonesia used to do, each trying to harmonize the gestures into beautiful movements.

The farewell really drained tears and my new family in Sumba thanked me for willing to accept their simple condition. I learned many things, in diversity I did not feel separated or alone, instead I had truly welcome and attention. Different cultures and religions do not become barrier but become a means of learning and building tolerance instead that enriches life experiences. May God keep us always in peace.