|
Ranau |
| People Group: |
Ranau |
 |
 |
| Location: |
S. Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Population: |
76,000 |
| Religion: |
Islam |
| % Christian: |
0.01
% |
| % Evangelical: |
0.0 % |
| Ministry
Resources: |
No Known Believers |
|
|
Total People Group
Population: |
76,000 |
Other countries People
Group Linked to: |
None |
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Additional Information:
Who are the Ranau?
The Ranau people live in the area along the border between the provinces
of South Sumatera and Lampung, in the Baturaja District of the Ogan
Komering Ulu Regency. The Ranau are possibly descendants of the Komering
people. Their Ranau language is similar to that of the Lampung Krui.
However, there are many that speak Bahasa Palembang (Palembang language)
due to their proximity to that city.
What are their lives like?
The Ranau earn their living farming, raising livestock, mining, and
gathering forest
products such as rattan, resin, and wood. The primary farming product is
rice using both irrigated and unirrigated fields. The Ogan Komering Ulu
area is the number one producer of rice in South Sumatera. In addition,
there are plantations of rubber, coffee, and vegetables. The Ranau also
make use of Lake Ranau, rivers, ponds, and rice fields for fishing.
Mining products include oil, natural gas, tin, and coal.Generally, the
Ranau carry traditional daggers known as keris. In this area, this
traditional weapon is very much a part of everyday life. This cultural
tradition is illustrated in the saying "your weapon is your clothing."
Thus going out without a weapon is the same as going naked. In addition,
this weapon is called dengasanak, which signifies an older sibling that
protects the person from danger. During wedding ceremonies, a keris is
carried on top of a carved container by a representative of the man, and
given to a representative of the woman. The meaning of this is that the
man vows to protect the safety of the woman with all his strength. The
Ranau build their traditional homes in three shapes: limas (pyramid),
ulu (head), and rakit (raft). The limas house is for the nobility. The
ulu is built on stilts and is for the commoner. The rakit house is built
on top of several layers of bamboo, which have been tied together so
that they resemble a raft. This type of house is found along the Musi
River. In addition to functioning as a residence, the raft house serves
as a place for trading and a port for boats.Decorations in these houses
always have a plant motif, which is considered a symbol of life. For
example, the jasmine flower is a symbol of politeness and the rose
symbolizes an antidote for disaster. This is intended to make an
impression on the children as they grow up with these reminders.
According to tradition, the number of steps to enter the house is always
odd in order to bring blessings to the inhabitants of the house.
What do they believe?
Due to the influence of other people groups in South Sumatera, the
majority of Ranau are Muslims. Yet, they are Muslims more by tradition
and culture than by conviction (taklid). In light of this, it is not
surprising that many still believe in superstitions, objects with magic
powers, and places considered haunted. The Ranau still practice magic
and occultism as well.
What are their needs?
Currently, the Ranau need medical workers. They hope that these workers
can help ward off diseases, which cause their quality of life to suffer.
Doctors are needed to decrease the number of people who seek treatment
from the local dukun (shaman/healer/occultist) who sometimes prescribes
the wrong treatments. The Ranau also need help in the form of government
subsidy, especially to develop industry in the area.
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