Marking its 30th anniversary, the organization stated that it is moving from an exclusive mindset to a more inclusive, egalitarian, and open paradigm that embraces all religious groups living on Lombok Island.
MAS Chair Lalu Sajim Sastrawan described the council’s three-decade journey as a moment to reassess history and broaden the understanding of who is considered Sasak.
He said the cultural identity of the Sasak people today can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of a Muslim-majority community.
According to Sajim, modern Sasak society reflects a long-standing diversity in Lombok. In addition to the Muslim population, the island is home to Sasak people who practice Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism.
They have lived side by side for centuries and form an integral part of Lombok’s socio-cultural landscape.
He emphasized that the council’s 30th anniversary serves as a point of historical clarification on topics once deemed sensitive, as well as a marker that indigenous communities must acknowledge and accept this diversity.
Sajim added that this paradigm shift is essential for building a more egalitarian and open Sasak society.
The Sasak Traditional Council is also strengthening interfaith communication, particularly with Hindu and Chinese communities that have long resided in Lombok, as well as Buddhist groups and followers of other religions.
Sajim noted that the ecological and historical ties between the Sasak people and all communities on the island form a strong foundation for promoting inclusivity.
He added that openness is not only a cultural necessity but also a prerequisite for national development. For this reason, MAS has taken a clear stance that diversity is an inseparable part of Sasak identity.
The main event marking MAS’s 30th anniversary will take place on December 10, 2025, in Golong Village, West Lombok District.
The program includes a traditional ceremony to bestow the honorary title Manggale Gumi Sasak upon West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal and the Declaration of Mount Rinjani.
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Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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