Larvul Ngabal: The Sacred Customary Law of the Kei People

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Beneath the white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Kei Islands in Southeast Maluku lies a cultural legacy as deep as the sea itself  Larvul Ngabal, the sacred customary law of the Kei people. For centuries, it has shaped the moral foundation, social harmony, and collective identity of this island community.

What is Larvul Ngabal ?

The name Larvul Ngabal combines two powerful symbols:

  • Larvul means red blood, symbolizing honor.

  • Ngabal means spear, symbolizing courage and protection.

Together, they represent a law that is not only about justice but about living with dignity, responsibility, and respect. This law, passed down by a revered ancestor named Upu Larat, serves as a moral compass that guides daily life  from how people lead and serve, to how they resolve conflicts and treat others with compassion.

The Seven Sacred Laws of Larvul Ngabal

Larvul Ngabal is based on seven main principles, grouped into three categories of customary law:

1. Nevnev – Criminal Law

These rules protect life, leadership, and physical safety.

  • Uud entauk na atvunad
    “Our heads rest on our own necks.”
    → Leaders must not neglect the people, and people must not overthrow leaders unjustly.

  • Lelad ain fo mahiling
    “The single neck must be respected.”
    → Killing is strictly forbidden; life is sacred.

  • Ul nit envil atumud
    “The dead skin protects our bodies.”
    → Prohibits physical violence or harm.

  • Lar nakmot na ivud
    “Blood flows within our stomachs.”
    → Spilling someone’s blood is a grave offense.

2. Hanilit – Family and Moral Law

Upholding dignity and the sanctity of relationships.

  • Rek fo mahiling
    “The doorframe must be respected.”
    → A call to honor and protect women’s dignity.

  • Moryain fo kelmutun
    “The bedroom must be kept sacred.”
    → Adultery and violating the sanctity of marriage are strictly forbidden.

3. Hawear Balwirin – Property and Social Justice Law

Focusing on fairness, ownership, and respect.

  • Hira ni fo i ni, it did fo it did
    “What belongs to others remains theirs, what is ours remains ours.”
    → Encourages respect for property, land, and ownership.

Why Larvul Ngabal Still Matters Today

In today’s fast-paced world, customary laws like Larvul Ngabal might seem old fashioned but in truth, they are more relevant than ever. These principles teach integrity, unity, mutual respect, and responsibility  values often lost in the noise of modern life.

For younger generations of Kei, Larvul Ngabal is not a relic of the past; it’s a living identity. It reminds us that progress doesn’t mean abandoning our roots. Instead, it invites us to blend ancestral wisdom with today’s challenges to build a more grounded future.

Conclusion: Red Blood and Spear in Our Hearts

Larvul Ngabal is not written on paper, it is written in the hearts and actions of the Kei people. It lives in the way people lead, protect, speak, and relate to one another. As long as these laws are honored, the spirit of Kei culture will continue to thrive with strength and pride.

Lokasi: 7MFH+H74, Rumadian, Kec. Kei Kecil, Kabupaten Maluku Tenggara, Maluku, Indonesia

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