RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC AFFAIRS CONCERNING THE CHAM PEOPLE FOLLOWING BALAMONISM IN NINH THUAN PROVINCE, VIETNAM TODAY

Abstract

Religious and ethnic affairs remain complex and sensitive issues that play a pivotal role in the socio-political stability of multi-ethnic nations like Vietnam. Among the Cham people in Ninh Thuan province, Balamonism a localized form of Hinduism has endured for centuries and continues to shape their cultural identity, spiritual life, and community cohesion. Today, as Vietnam undergoes industrialization and modernization, addressing the religious and ethnic concerns of the Cham Balamon community is crucial for fostering inclusive and sustainable development. The effective implementation of ethnic and religious policies in Ninh Thuan has become an integral part of the province’s broader socio-economic strategy. It reflects the government's efforts to ensure both material progress and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage among minority groups. This approach not only supports the Cham people's aspirations but also contributes to harmony and mutual respect among diverse ethnic communities. By recognizing and promoting the unique values of Balamonism within the larger national context, local authorities aim to strengthen solidarity, empower ethnic minorities, and build a more equitable society. This paper explores how religious and ethnic affairs concerning the Cham Balamon people are currently managed and the implications for cultural sustainability in Vietnam’s evolving social landscape.