Tracing the Value System in the Huaulu Indigenous Faith Community Amid Legal Discrimination and Stereotypes

Abstract

This study explores the value system within the Huaulu indigenous faith community on Seram Island, Indonesia, which faces challenges in the form of legal discrimination and negative stereotypes. The Huaulu people maintain their traditional beliefs despite often being misunderstood as animists or followers of other religious practices that do not accurately reflect their identity. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing data collection methods such as observation, interviews, and legal document analysis. The findings reveal that discrimination against the Huaulu community occurs in various aspects, including education, civil administration, and religious identity rights. Huaulu children are often forced to choose a state-recognized religion to access education, threatening the preservation of their indigenous faith. Additionally, negative stereotypes, such as the perception that they are "godless," contribute to social stigma, further exacerbating their marginalization. On the other hand, the Huaulu people demonstrate remarkable cultural resilience through the implementation of traditional values, such as mutual cooperation (gotong royong), respect for nature, and spiritual traditions like rites of passage (Cidaku) and customary taboos (Pamali). These traditions reinforce their identity while reflecting a balance between indigenous faith and modern life. This study highlights the need for more inclusive and consistent policies to accommodate religious diversity in Indonesia, thereby addressing systemic discrimination. The research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics between cultural identity, legal frameworks, and modernity in indigenous minority communities.