The Theological Dimensions of Basar Songsfrom the Kei Islands, Indonesia

Authors

Bernard Antonius Rahawarin (Author)
Sekolah Tinggi Pendidikan Agama Katolik St. Yohanes Penginjil Ambon, Indonesia
Petrus Andito Lalamafu (Author)
Pontificia Università della Santa Croce, Roma, Italy

DOI:

10.47043/j3fbzt06
Keywords: Contextual theology, Basar, Larvul Ngabal, inculturation, Kei

This article aims to explores the theological dimensions embedded in Basar, a traditional ceremonial song of the Kei people in Southeast Maluku, particularly in its interaction with the Catholic faith. Using Robert J. Schreiter’s cultural semiotic method, comprising sign (melody), rule (ritual context), and message (life themes), this study reveals that Basar carries messages of reverence and gratitude rooted in the Larvul Ngabal customary law. These messages reflect a religious-spiritual worldview in which reverence for community leaders is understood as reverence for Christ (Christological dimension), and gratitude to Duad—the local term for God—is reinterpreted as gratitude to the Triune God (Trinitarian dimension). Thus, Basar functions not merely as a cultural artifact but as a theological resource capable of liturgical inculturation and contextual theological reflection within the Kei Catholic community.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): December

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