Draft:Slave Island (2025)

• Comment: No sources, no indication of notability, still 100% AI generated with no effort to cleanup. Sophisticatedevening🍷^(talk) 12:52, 8 April 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Jamesbarcley (talk) 10:30, 8 April 2025 (UTC)

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Introduction to the Documentary *Slave Island*

• Slave Island* is a documentary film that explores the persistence of slavery on the Indonesian island of Sumba. Directed by Jimmy Hendrickx and Jeremy Kewuan, the film examines the lives of individuals who remain trapped in servitude due to entrenched social structures, despite Indonesia’s legal abolition of slavery. The documentary sheds light on the intersection of traditional social hierarchies, cultural practices, and modern forms of exploitation on the island.

The focus of the film is on the indigenous people of Sumba and their belief system, Marapu, which underpins the social stratification that dictates roles and labor in the community. The film highlights the continued existence of servitude tied to social and caste divisions, offering a portrayal of slavery in the context of a specific cultural and historical setting.

Understanding the Topic of Heritage Slavery

Heritage slavery refers to slavery that persists not through direct coercion but through cultural, social, and familial structures that bind individuals into positions of subjugation. Unlike historic forms of slavery, which often involved kidnapping and forced labor across vast distances, heritage slavery is more insidious, sustained by traditions and beliefs passed down from generation to generation. It operates within societal norms that dictate individuals' roles based on their social or caste status.

In countries where heritage slavery exists, individuals born into servitude often see little hope of escape, not because they are physically coerced, but because their lives are determined by a rigid social system. In Indonesia, the island of Sumba is home to such a system, where the practice of heritage slavery persists despite the official abolition of slavery in the country.

Countries That Still Practice Heritage Slavery

Though modern-day slavery is illegal in most parts of the world, certain regions and cultures still practice forms of heritage slavery. These practices are often deeply rooted in caste systems, ethnic divisions, and historical traditions that have endured over centuries. Countries where forms of heritage slavery still exist include:

• India – The Dalit caste (formerly known as "untouchables") continues to face systemic oppression, with many individuals born into servitude-like conditions.
• Nepal – Similar to India, the Dalit caste faces deep-rooted discrimination and often lives in conditions of servitude.
• Pakistan – The Kammi and Mazdoor castes are often subjected to hereditary bonded labor in agriculture and industry.
• Mauritania – Despite the official abolition of slavery, the Haratin people are still born into servitude-like conditions.
• Brazil – Afro-Brazilian descendants in rural areas are sometimes born into debt bondage, continuing a legacy of servitude.
• Sudan – The Abid group, historically enslaved, continues to face discrimination and social exclusion.
• Niger – The Ikelan group is traditionally considered to be of slave descent, particularly in Tuareg society.
• Chad – The Abid group is similarly affected by inherited slavery-like conditions.
• Mali – The Bellah or Ikelan caste is traditionally enslaved, particularly in Tuareg society.
• Liberia – Descendants of enslaved individuals and marginalized groups continue to experience servitude-like conditions.
• Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Some ethnic groups still practice forms of servitude, particularly in rural areas.

The Social Hierarchy and Vertical Castes in Sumba

The island of Sumba has a unique and highly stratified social hierarchy based on the traditional *Marapu* belief system. The social structure is primarily divided into three distinct groups, or castes, which play a central role in the island's social and economic life. These divisions dictate not only economic status but also relationships and roles within the community.

The three primary castes of Sumba are:

1. Ata

This is the highest caste, often referred to as the nobility or aristocratic class. The Ata caste holds significant wealth, political power, and land, controlling most of the resources and shaping the island’s social and cultural landscape. [1]

2. Kalibu

The middle caste, which occupies a position between the Ata and Maramba. Kalibu people may own property and land but are still subjugated in the social hierarchy. They work for the Ata caste and maintain a relatively lower social status compared to the Ata, though they are above the Maramba caste. [2]

3. Maramba

The lowest caste, often considered the laboring class. Maramba individuals are typically assigned tasks such as working the land and serving the higher castes, often without significant rights or opportunities for upward mobility. Despite being a free class, their role within the society is clearly defined by servitude to the higher castes. [3]

This caste system, deeply intertwined with the Marapu belief system, dictates much of the island's social fabric. Those born into the Ata caste hold significant privilege, while those born into the Kalibu and Maramba castes find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty and servitude, often with little opportunity for upward mobility. [4]

Sumbanese Marapu Culture: A Deep Connection to Tradition

At the heart of Sumba’s social and caste system lies the Marapu belief system. Marapu is a deeply animistic and ancestral religion that shapes nearly every aspect of life on the island. The Sumbanese people believe in a powerful spiritual connection to their ancestors, who they consider divine beings that guide and protect the living. Religion of Sumba Island

In the Marapu worldview, ancestors are venerated through rituals, offerings, and ceremonies that maintain harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. The belief system emphasizes balance with nature, as forests, rivers, and mountains are considered sacred homes of spirits. Sustainable farming practices and careful resource use are inspired by this deep respect for the environment. Traditions of Sumba Island

Marapu is not only a religious practice but also a social framework that dictates relationships within communities. Rituals such as the Pasola Festival—where warriors ride horses and throw wooden spears—serve as both spiritual celebrations and social events that reinforce cultural identity. The construction of megalithic tombs and traditional houses like Uma Marapu further reflects the integration of spirituality into daily life. Exploring Local Culture of Sumba

Breaking the Chains of Heritage Slavery

• Slave Island* exposes the ongoing practice of heritage slavery in Sumba, where certain families are born into servitude under higher castes as part of traditional systems justified by Marapu beliefs. The film portrays how these practices persist through cultural norms and spiritual doctrines rather than direct coercion.

By documenting stories from Sumba, *Slave Island* provides a unique perspective on how exploitation can be embedded in tradition and social hierarchy. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about hidden forms of slavery while calling for global recognition of human rights abuses masked by cultural practices. Authentic Indonesia Blog

Through its intimate storytelling, *Slave Island* invites audiences to join efforts to dismantle systems of oppression not only in Indonesia but around the world.

References

Slavery in India IJCRT paper on slavery in India Walk Free Global Slavery Index - India BBC News: Modern Slavery in India Oxford Research on Slavery in Africa Cambridge History of Slavery in India Modern Slavery in India: Patterns of Patriarchy, Politics, and Progress PMC Article on Modern Slavery