Traditional Rituals as Tools of Resistance: The Lom People’s Fight against Unconventional Tin Mining in Bangka Island, Indonesia

Unconventional tin mining on Bangka Island, Indonesia, has caused severe environmental and social consequences, particularly for indigenous communities like the Lom people. The key causes driving their resistance include deforestation, water pollution, and the appropriation of ancestral lands without proper consultation, which disrupt access to clean water, food sources, and traditional livelihoods, threatening their well-being and cultural heritage. This study employs a qualitative descriptive case study approach to explore the experiences of the Lom community in three hamlets: Air Abik, Pejem, and Tuing. The research aims to (1) examine the role of traditional rituals in the Lom people’s resistance against mining activities, (2) analyze how these rituals foster cultural identity and community solidarity, and (3) explore the broader implications of indigenous knowledge systems in advocating for environmental justice and indigenous rights. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the role of traditional rituals in their resistance movements. The findings reveal that the Lom people’s rituals, rooted in centuries-old indigenous knowledge, serve as powerful tools for resistance. These rituals assert cultural identity, foster community solidarity, and defend ancestral lands. Beyond their cultural significance, rituals provide moral, emotional, and social cohesion while serving as platforms for advocacy. They enable collaboration with external allies such as environmental activists and academic institutions. Through these efforts, the Lom community safeguards their cultural heritage, livelihoods, and legal rights against mining encroachment. The scientific novelty of this study lies in its exploration of traditional rituals not merely as cultural expressions but as strategic mechanisms for resistance and advocacy. By highlighting the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems, environmental justice, and social movements, this research contributes to broader discussions on the role of cultural practices in addressing contemporary environmental and social challenges. This study concludes that indigenous rituals are more than symbolic expressions; they are critical strategies for promoting environmental justice and protecting indigenous rights. By highlighting the role of indigenous knowledge systems, this study underscores the importance of traditional rituals in achieving environmental and social justice.