Dari Laut ke Salib: Narasi Kehidupan Iman Orang Bajau Laut Kristen di Sabah Malaysia dalam Perspektif Misiologi Pastoral
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33991/epigraphe.v9i2.572Keywords:
Bajau Laut; faith narratives; pastoral missiology; statelessness; bukan warga negara; misiologi pastoral; narasi imanAbstract
This article examines the faith life of the Christian Bajau Laut community in Sabah through a descriptive, narrative, qualitative approach to understand religious, social, and pastoral dynamics within the context of marginalization and statelessness. The purpose of this study is to interpret the community's experiences theologically and pastorally and to identify challenges and opportunities for the development of relevant and contextual pastoral missiology. The research methodology involved field observations in the context of ministry and a targeted literature review of academic sources. The results indicate that the Bajau Laut's faith life is shaped by fragile socio-economic conditions, maritime mobility, limited access to education and health care, and a legacy of local beliefs that influence daily religious practices. Field observations reveal tensions between cultural identity and Christian identity, particularly in situations of eviction, administrative discrimination, and minimal church support. This emphasizes the importance of an incarnational, dialogical, and advocacy-based model of pastoral care that not only focuses on spiritual nurturing but also seeks access to education, health, and social protection.
Abstrak
Artikel ini mengkaji kehidupan iman komunitas Bajau Laut Kristen di Sabah melalui pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dan naratif untuk memahami dinamika religius, sosial, dan pastoral dalam konteks kemarginalan dan ketidakberkewarganegaraan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menafsirkan pengalaman komunitas secara teologis-pastoral serta mengidentifikasi tantangan dan peluang bagi pengembangan misiologi pastoral yang relevan dan kontekstual. Metodologi penelitian melibatkan observasi lapangan dalam konteks pelayanan dan kajian pustaka terarah atas literatur akademik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kehidupan iman Bajau Laut dibentuk oleh kondisi sosial-ekonomi yang rapuh, mobilitas maritim, keterbatasan akses pendidikan dan kesehatan, serta warisan kepercayaan lokal yang berdampak pada praktik religius sehari-hari. Observasi lapangan mengungkap ketegangan antara identitas budaya dan identitas kristiani, khususnya dalam situasi penggusuran, diskriminasi administratif, dan minimnya pendampingan gereja. sehingga hal ini dapat menegaskan pentingnya model penggembalaan yang inkarnasional, dialogis, dan advokatif, yang tidak hanya berfokus pada pembinaan rohani tetapi juga mengupayakan akses pendidikan, kesehatan, dan perlindungan sosial.
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