Royal Blood: Money, Blood, and Death in Toraja - Part 2

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Royal Blood: Money, Blood, and Death in Toraja - Part 2

VICE Indonesia visits the highlands of South Sulawesi to see firsthand how an influx of new money is changing the face of the Torajan people's ancient, and bloody, funeral traditions. (Part 2 of 3)

In the highlands of Indonesia's South Sulawesi province, funerals are massive affairs. The tradition dates back centuries, but now an influx of new money is threatening to undermine the foundations of Toraja's riotous funeral ceremonies.

Our correspondent Aria Danaparamita flew to Toraja Utara to see firsthand how the district's nouveau riche are sending their relatives to the afterlife with ceremonies that eclipse even those once reserved for royalty.

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