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CONSTRUCTING AND PRESERVING ETHNIC IDENTITY THROUGH CULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG THE REJANG COMMUNITY IN CENTRAL BENGKULU susiyanto, susiyanto; Khairani, Eni; Safitra, Linda
Sosiohumaniora Vol 27, No 3 (2025): Sosiohumaniora: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora, NOVEMBER 2025
Publisher : Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24198/sosiohumaniora.v27i3.66152

Abstract

Bengkulu Province is characterized by rich ethnic and cultural diversity, with the Rejang ethnic group as the majority population. Amid ongoing social change and modernization, the Rejang community continues to maintain its ethnic identity through various cultural practices. This study aims to analyze the processes through which ethnic identity is constructed and preserved within the Rejang community in Central Bengkulu. Using a qualitative research design with an ethnographic approach, the study was conducted in Pondok Kelapa and Talang Empat sub-districts, areas with a strong presence of Rejang communities. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive data analysis model. The findings show that Rejang ethnic identity is constructed and sustained through key cultural symbols and practices, including the use of the Rejang language, a patrilineal kinship system, the Ka-Ga-Ma script, and traditional ceremonies such as Bekejai (marriage) and Ngamban Tanduk (birth and naming rituals). Although several cultural practices have adapted to religious influences and contemporary social conditions, their core values and meanings remain preserved. This preservation is supported by the active roles of families, customary institutions, and community leaders in transmitting cultural values across generations. This study demonstrates that ethnic identity is a dynamic social process shaped by continuous interaction and adaptation. The findings contribute to sociological discussions on ethnic identity and offer practical insights for stakeholders in supporting the sustainability of local cultures amid social change.
Representasi Aspirasi Daerah dalam Koordinasi DPD RI dan Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi Bengkulu Aini, Farida Nur; Susiyanto, Susiyanto; Khairani, Eni; Diantra, Novella Firsty Putri
Aceh Anthropological Journal Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)
Publisher : Department of Anthropology

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29103/aaj.v10i1.27238

Abstract

This article analyzes the effectiveness of coordination between members of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) from Bengkulu Province and the Bengkulu Provincial Government in advocating community aspirations for regional development. The study is based on the unclear working mechanism between DPD RI as a regional representative institution at the national level and the provincial government as the administrator of regional autonomy. From a socio-anthropological perspective, regional aspirations are understood not merely as administrative proposals, but also as expressions of local interests, experiences of development inequality, and demands for recognition within central–local relations. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. The informants include a DPD RI member from Bengkulu Province, the Head of the DPD RI Representative Office in Bengkulu, the Regional Secretary of Bengkulu Province, and community figures. The analysis focuses on three coordination mechanisms: mutual adjustment, direct supervision, and the standardization of procedures, outputs, and skills. The findings show that coordination has taken place through formal and informal communication, particularly in the aspiration-gathering stage. However, coordination remains ineffective in the stage of advocating these aspirations to the central government because there is no standard operating procedure governing joint work mechanisms. This article emphasizes the need to institutionalize coordination so that regional aspirations do not stop at the collection stage but are systematically advocated through national policy processes. Abstrak: Artikel ini menganalisis efektivitas koordinasi antara Anggota Dewan Perwakilan Daerah Republik Indonesia (DPD RI) Provinsi Bengkulu dan Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi Bengkulu dalam memperjuangkan aspirasi masyarakat untuk peningkatan pembangunan daerah. Kajian ini berangkat dari belum jelasnya mekanisme hubungan kerja antara DPD RI sebagai representasi daerah di tingkat nasional dan pemerintah daerah sebagai penyelenggara otonomi daerah. Dalam perspektif sosial-antropologis, aspirasi daerah tidak hanya dipahami sebagai daftar usulan administratif, tetapi juga sebagai ekspresi kepentingan lokal, pengalaman ketimpangan pembangunan, dan kebutuhan pengakuan dalam relasi pusat–daerah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan telaah dokumen. Informan penelitian meliputi Anggota DPD RI Provinsi Bengkulu, Kepala Kantor Perwakilan DPD RI Provinsi Bengkulu, Sekretaris Daerah Provinsi Bengkulu, dan tokoh masyarakat. Analisis difokuskan pada tiga mekanisme koordinasi, yaitu saling mengingatkan, supervisi langsung, dan standardisasi prosedur, hasil, serta keterampilan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa koordinasi telah berlangsung melalui komunikasi formal dan informal, terutama dalam penjaringan aspirasi. Namun, koordinasi belum efektif pada tahap pengawalan aspirasi ke pemerintah pusat karena belum tersedia SOP yang mengatur pola kerja bersama. Artikel ini menegaskan pentingnya pelembagaan koordinasi agar aspirasi daerah tidak berhenti pada penjaringan, tetapi terkawal hingga proses kebijakan nasional.