Concepts and Practices of Religious Moderation in Kei Local Wisdom

Abstract

Religious moderation based on local wisdom is spread throughout Indonesian archipelago, one of which is that of the Kei ethnic group in Southeastern Maluku. This paper deliberates concepts and practices of religious moderation based on Kei local wisdom, as it is still practiced today. Due to the strong bond of the unitying local wisdom, the people live in harmony regardless of their differences in faith. It is Ain ni Ain's philosophy of life and the customary law of Larvul Ngabal that allow of it. The first means "one has one", getting all the Kei together in a strong bond of brotherhood. The latter, the customary law of Larvul Ngabal, serves as a guidance in intercommunity relations. Both have been tested as tools of social reconciliation when the religious conflict across Maluku spread to the Kei Islands. The principle of non-violence that became the spirit of Ain ni Ain and Larvul Ngabal succeeded in disintensifying the conflicts. The practice of religious moderation is implemented in the wisdom of fanganan (empathy), yelim (helping each other), and maren (mutual cooperation). All of the three are practiced in interreligious relations, such as in the construction of houses of worship and commemoration of religious holidays that last to this day and contribute to the harmonious life of the people of Kei.