Ethnicity, Religion and The Changing Community Structure Within Fakfak Society in Papua

Abstract

Through in-depth research using an ethnographic method, this article seeks to show what changes are taking place in the Fakfak community regarding culture, religion, and composition. This research aims to fill the research gap from previous studies by looking at how religion has rapidly changed the structure of society (both in terms of identity and population demographics) even though they come from the same kinship in a nuclear family. This article found that religion has become society’s primary agent of change, with positive and negative connotations. However, at the same time, the community has a local knowledge called “toromit wat istery” which is used as an unbreakable bond due to clashes between religions. This unity in diversity is a fundamental value that the community must observe. As an implication, these changes in the Fakfak community serve as an example of the resilience of local values in the face of the clash of global values that must be protected and maintained as the primary source of national resilience.

Taburar: Understanding Moderation Through House Doors in the Ugar Village

“…In the context of migration, due to the necessities of life, education, and employment, population data shows that village youth have to leave the village to go to school in Kokas or Fak-fak, meaning they will gain new knowledge. At the same time, some of these school-age youth decide to work for a company not far from their village in Bintuni (LNG Tangguh Bintuni), even if only as manual laborers, cleaning services, or security guards (Yamin, 2022).…”

“…Second, an open attitude within the community that can accept anyone who comes to their house, even if it is limited to releasing longing, sharing food, and other needs. Third, the philosophy of life atanam misia, aroa misia, faneka misia, and awkawai fafia, enables people to be tolerant of others, wise in dealing with every life problem, and always have a good view of others, which gives the village community a life guideline to be able to accept differences (Yamin, 2022). The factors mentioned above become the main strength and the explanation of the noble attitude of the community that comes from their wisdom, especially as a medium to strengthen solidarity and maintain harmony among others.…”