Kajang; A Picture of Modesty: An Indonesian Local Belief

Abstract

The unique of Kajang ethnic is interesting to be studied by different disciplines. Their belief on the messages stated in “Pasanga ri Kajang” drive their step in running their life simply and wisely. This paper explores the community of Kajang and their religious beliefs and values. The importance of the Pasanga ri Kajang and the existence of Ammatoa as they believe as the messenger are two things that maintain their strong values and believes. Although they claimed to be Muslims, their religious practices are much different with general Muslims. They believe that “je’ne temmapettu; sembayang tellara,” which is meant, more or less, “unbreaka-ble ritual ablution and a never ending prayers” as more important than the ritual religious practice. The concept is not primarily by the principles of Islam, but rather it is based on their attitudes and behaviors of daily life on traditional teachings supporting practices, such as “kalumbusuang” (honesty); “gattang” (consistency); “sabbara” (patience); and “appisona” (sincerity). 

Keunikan suku kajang sangat menarik untuk dikaji oleh berbagai disiplin ilmu. Kepercayaan mereka terhadap pesan-pesan yang disampaikan dalam “Pasang ri Kajang” menuntun langkah mereka dalam menjalankan kehidupan secara sederhana dan bijak. Tulisan ini membahas tentang Komunitas Kajang serta nilai dan ajaran kepercayaan mereka. Pentingnya Pasang ri Kajang  dan keberadaan Ammatoa yang mereka percayai sebagai utusan sang maha pencipta merupakan dua hal penting yang memelihara kekuatan nilai dan ajaran mereka. Meskipun mereka mengklaim diri mereka sebagai muslim, praktek-praktek keagamaan mereka cenderung berbeda dengan muslim pada umumnya. Konsep kepercayaan mereka bukan berdasarkan pada lima rukun islam, melainkan berdasarkan pada sikap dan perilaku hidup mereka sehari-hari, sebagaimana ajaran tradisi yang mereka pegang teguh seperti: “kalumbusuang” (kejujuran); “gattang” (konsistensi); “sabbara” (ke-sabaran); and “appisona” (ketulusan).