Slavery persists in Indonesia's Sumba despite being illegal for over 160 years
Quick Look
- In Sumba, Indonesia, a rigid caste system perpetuates illegal slavery, with individuals like Kanisius Kanyali Hambarita working without pay and facing abuse.
- Despite being outlawed for over 160 years, the practice continues, particularly in the island's east, where slaves are known as 'ata'.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Slavery, though illegal in Indonesia for over 160 years, persists in Sumba's rigid caste system, particularly in the island's east.
They work from dawn to dusk without pay, are passed on in marriage, and are sometimes beaten and raped by their masters. Yet most are resigned to their fate because their status “cannot be wiped away”, as one young slave – or ata – Kanisius Kanyali Hambarita said.
Slavery has been illegal in what is now Indonesia for more than 160 years, but it survives in Sumba’s rigid caste system, particularly in the island’s east.
Kanisius and his master, Umbu Ana Rara, 31, who is three years younger than him, live in the village of Tenggedu, whose turquoise waterfalls draw intrepid tourists looking for a “hidden tropical paradise”.
It is a place out of time, reached by a rocky road between arid hills and the sea where you have to dodge stray cows, goats and wild horses. There is no mobile phone signal and food is cooked over a wood fire.
Umbu Ana said he treats his slave “like a member of the family” as the two sat chewing betel nuts – a mild stimulant that stains the gums red – in the late morning heat, with chickens and geese wandering at their feet.
Open Questions
- How widespread is this practice?
- What efforts are being made to combat it?
- What are the legal consequences for slave owners?
