PELA DAN GANDONG: Sebuah Model untuk Kehidupan Bersama dalam Konteks Pluralisme Agama di Maluku

Abstract

Sometimes there is a tension between religion and culture. Choosing one of them is not a wise thing to do. Culture should not always be regarded as an obstacle for religion and vice-versa. Culture even can help religious people to express their religion better. The pela-gandong tradition is part of the culture of the Moluccas that plays an important role in maintaining the kinship relationship between Christians and Muslims in the Moluccas. In the past this tradition was a way to solve a conflict in the society too. This tradition contains moral values for the Moluccas, i.e. togetherness, unity, respect, equality and peace. A wrong understanding to this tradition can cause tension and conflict between people, especially between Christians and Muslims.

Nowadays, especially after the Moluccas conflict in 1999-2002, there is a consciousness to revitalize the function of pela-gandong in the Moluccas to maintain a good relationship between Christian and Muslims in the Moluccas. The Moluccas conflict demonstrated clearly that neglecting such kinship in the pela-gandong tradition can be a source of conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Moluccas. This is because they understand one another differently simply because their religion is different. Revitalizing and maintaining the pela-gandong is the responsibility of all people, including religious institutions, to bring lives of peace in the Moluccas.