History of Leprosy Disease in The Onderafdeeling Rantepao-Makale in 1924-1936

Abstract

A disease epidemic is a health problem that impacts the survival of humanity and several other sectors such as social, economic and political.  Lack of knowledge about the importance of a clean lifestyle can affect the higher rate of disease spread. Some historical records inform us that several diseases have been endemic in the Dutch East Indies, such as leprosy, bubonic plague, malaria, Spanish flu, cholera, smallpox, and others. Leprosy is an ancient disease that is highly feared by the world community, not only because the disease is considered a curse from God, but also the social and psychological impact of the negative stigma given cannot be removed to the sufferers. This article aims to reveal the history of the leprosy epidemic in onderafdeeling Rante pao and Makale by looking at the impact of Dutch East Indies colonial government policies in controlling the spread of leprosy and the role of Zending organizations in efforts to eradicate leprosy.  The results showed that the outbreak of leprosy in the onderafdeeling of Rante pao and Makale made the colonial government try to control the spread of the disease through cooperation with the GZB missionary organization which did have a spirit of service mission to preach the gospel in the fields of education and health. The establishment of Leprazorie, which was initiated by mission doctors through the GZB institution, became a tangible manifestation of the seriousness of the government and Zending organizations to provide care for people with leprosy. The process of care and treatment of leprosy for sufferers centered in Batulelleng Leprazorie gave them a glimmer of hope about the meaning of life. This happened because of the intense assistance from the missionaries who showed that the teachings of love they taught were in accordance with their actions.  So that not a few of those who still follow traditional beliefs voluntarily confess the Christian faith through baptism.