The conversion away from forest faiths in maritime Southeast Asia is not merely of historical interest; it is still ongoing and not all of them are entirely voluntary. Indonesian forest communities are in a peculiarly vulnerable position because since the 1970s, indigenous faiths have been excluded from the list of six official state religions.
The BBC has a recent documentary about the Orang Rimba/Kubu community in South Sumatra that highlights how opportunities to move forward are tied to the religion that they adhered to. A podcast version is also available under their Heart and Soul series here.
Photo source: BBC
The BBC has a recent documentary about the Orang Rimba/Kubu community in South Sumatra that highlights how opportunities to move forward are tied to the religion that they adhered to. A podcast version is also available under their Heart and Soul series here.
Photo source: BBC