Religious and Maritime Cultural Integration of the Suku Laut in Riau Islands, Indonesia

¹ Sosiologi, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia
² Sosiologi, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
³ Research Centre for Culture and Society, National Research and Innovation Agency of The Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia
⁴ Centre of Excellence on Migration and Development, Insititute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: wengki.a@chula.ac.th

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the integration of culture and religion in the Suku Laut community in the Riau Islands. Since the Indonesian government’s policy of settling the Suku Laut, there have been significant changes in all aspects of their lives. Their adaptation has partly changed their culture and partly maintained it by integrating culture and religion. This research uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. The informant selection technique was carried out by purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out by means of observation, interviews, documentation. The research was conducted in Lingga Regency, Riau Islands Province. The research was conducted in Lingga Regency, Riau Islands Province. The results of this study show that cultural integration in the Suku Laut causes changes and adjustments in values, beliefs and attitudes to be more in line with Malay culture. The integration of culture and religion in the Suku Laut can be seen in cultural adaptation, social adjustment, cultural exchange, and cultural mixing of the Suku Laut and the Malay Tribe. Cultural integration can encourage cultural preservation and sustainability of the Suku Laut if done with respect for the rights of the Suku Laut. But conversely, it can risk marginalisation and loss of traditional identity if done without a sensitive approach.