HAMA BELALANG KEMBARA (LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA MANILENSIS) DI KABUPATEN SUMBA TIMUR-NTT

Peran Teologi Sosial dalam Mengurai Benang Kusut Relasi Manusia di Tengah Keutuhan Ciptaan

Abstract

The grasshopper pest phenomenon that has occurred in East Sumba since 2018 and peaked in 2020, coinciding with the Covid-19 outbreak, is the main focus of this study. Locust pests cause various significant losses, especially to agricultural land and community plantations. Various efforts were made by various elements of society, including the church and local government, ranging from spraying pesticides to mass catching grasshoppers by the entire community. However, these efforts did not produce satisfactory results. The context of this problem is an interesting study to untangle the tangled threads of human relations and the integrity of creation based on a social theological perspective with four practical circular steps, namely: problem mapping, social analysis, theological reflection and pastoral planning. The research results show that humans have a role in the imbalance in relations between all of God's creation. Theologically, behind the locust phenomenon there is a biblical message which is a warning about the importance of balanced relations between humans and all of God's creatures on this earth. Humans are obliged to develop a just, harmonious and responsible attitude to life in relation to the integrity of God's creation.