All Indonesians are required to profess one of the state-supported religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. The government of Indonesia views Jarayak, traditional Mentawai animism, as a primitive belief of ignorant tribal people. Although many Mentawai still practice Jarayak,
most shamans will say they are Christian, to avoid the possibility of violence
against them and their families.
Though Islam arrived in Indonesia a decade after the Christian missionaries, it
may soon surpass Christianity in total number of converts; church-run schools
begin influencing children early. Islam promises youngsters the "best" education
for “free,” as well as great opportunities for the brightest pupils to continue
their studies on the mainland. The price is that they must live in Muslim
communities and strictly adhere to Muslim beliefs.
Both Christian and Muslim beliefs are devastating to the traditional Mentawai way of life. Pigs are pivotal in Mentawai culture, central to every major ritual and a primary source of protein. Conversion to Islam means eating no pork.
Both religions consider all rituals and ceremonies to be abominations. This religious conflict tears clans apart and prevents family members of other faiths from attending important Jarayak ceremonies, such as weddings. Throughout history, religion, when used as a weapon of assimilation and oppression, has effectively exterminated countless peoples and cultures. If this continues, the same will be true of the Mentawai.
