Reducing the Burden

Some communities on the island of Alor in East Nusa Tenggara Province have cut down on the cost of expensive customary rituals. The resulting savings means more children are staying in school and going to university.

HARTATI, a resident of Borokanda village in northern Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is excited to join the street procession. A man, her neighbor, will soon formally ask for his sweetheart's hand in marriage.