DistantNews
Support us
Generational slavery persists on Indonesia's Sumba island
🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

Generational slavery persists on Indonesia's Sumba island

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • On the Indonesian island of Sumba, a tradition of hereditary slavery persists despite its official abolition in 1860.
  • Individuals known as 'atas' work for 'nobles' (maramba) without pay, passing from one generation to the next.
  • While some masters treat their 'slaves' like family, others reportedly resort to mistreatment and abuse.

On the Indonesian island of Sumba, generations are born into and live out their lives as slaves, a practice deeply entrenched in tradition despite its official abolition in 1860.

These individuals, known as 'atas,' work for their masters, referred to as 'maramba,' without receiving any salary. They are passed down as inheritance and, in some cases, endure mistreatment, with women sometimes falling victim to sexual violence. The condition is seen as inescapable, with 'atas' stating that it cannot be erased and that their children will face the same fate.

Their children will face the same fate because this condition 'cannot be erased'.

— Kanisius Kanyali HambaritaHambarita described the hereditary nature of slavery on Sumba.

Kanisius Kanyali Hambarita, a 34-year-old 'atas,' explained his situation while sitting with his master, Umbu Ana Rara. Hambarita stated, "I don't object to it, that's how things are. It's not a burden. It's just a symbol of a tradition inherited from our ancestors." His master allows him to work as a motorcycle taxi driver and cultivate a plot of land for his own sustenance.

I don't object to it, that's how things are. It's not a burden. It's just a symbol of a tradition inherited from our ancestors.

— Kanisius Kanyali HambaritaHambarita expressed his acceptance of his status as a slave.

Historians trace the roots of this slavery on Sumba back to the 16th century. The society is divided into three castes: the 'maramba' (nobles and landowners), the 'kabihu' (commoners), and the 'atas' (slaves or servants). The 'maramba' own land, livestock, and crucially, the 'atas,' which constitute their primary economic assets alongside their animals, often raised for export or racing.

'Atas' work from dawn till dusk, cultivating fields, tending to livestock, and managing household chores. The treatment they receive varies significantly depending on their master. While some masters claim to treat their 'atas' as family, historical accounts and reports suggest instances of forced labor and abuse, highlighting the stark reality of this enduring tradition.

The nobles, called maramba, often large landowners; ordinary people, called kabihu; and slaves or servants, the atas.

— Martha HebiHebi, an expert on the subject, explained the caste system on Sumba.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog