The people of West Sumba Regency are one of Indonesia’s indigenous communities that continue to uphold ancestral cultural values and traditions in their social lives. Customary practices such as Belis in marriage and funeral rituals hold significant cultural, social, and spiritual value. However, changing times have caused the meanings of some of these customary practices to shift, which can lead to socioeconomic pressures, particularly for communities with low economic status. This study aims to analyze the role of the West Sumba Regency Government in addressing socioeconomic inequalities resulting from traditional practices and to examine the implementation of government policies in maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and improving community welfare. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions.
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