Marginalization Of Ethnic Original Ethnographic Studies: The Elimination Of The Simalungun Ethnicity As A Physical Ethnic Physically And Culturally Sei Mangkei Simalungun Regency

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Introduction

The concept of marginalization is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects various communities around the world. In the context of Indonesia, the Simalungun ethnicity is one of the many indigenous groups that have been facing marginalization due to the influx of migrants from various regions. This study aims to explore the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity in Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, and to examine the impact of the development of the Special Economic Zone (KEK) on the migration and the role of Simalungun ethnic culture in addressing the dominance of migrants.

Background

Sei Mangkei is a community located in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The community is comprised of various backgrounds, including village communities, plantation communities, and KEK employees. The rapid development of the KEK has led to an influx of migrants from various regions, including Java, Toba, Tapanuli, and Karo. This migration has resulted in a significant demographic change in Sei Mangkei, with the Simalungun ethnicity being one of the most affected groups.

Methodology

This study employed an ethnographic approach to explore the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity in Sei Mangkei. Data collection was carried out through direct observation and interviews with the Simalungun ethnic community, non-Malungun, as well as community leaders who were active in the Simalungun ethnic organization. The results showed that one of the main factors of Simalungun ethnic marginalization was Javanese ethnic migration that came to work in plantations, followed by the entry of ethnic Toba, Tapanuli, and Karo.

Simalungun Ethnic Marginalization Analysis

The Simalungun ethnic marginalization process in Sei Mangkei is not only related to demographic changes, but also with a lack of confirmation of cultural identity. Simalungun's identity seemed to be eroded due to the lack of introduction and appreciation for local traditions and culture. In this study, there are indications that many members of the Simalungun ethnic community no longer recognize their own culture, even eliminating their identity by not including clans in everyday life.

The aspects examined in this study include physical marginalization, which can be seen from the reduction in the ethnic population of Simalungun, cultural marginalization associated with language and knowledge about Simalungun culture, as well as marginalization in the political field. This phenomenon leads to the weak social interaction of Simalungun ethnic, where they are forced to master other ethnic language and cultures in order to survive in a competitive situation.

Physical Marginalization

Physical marginalization refers to the reduction in the ethnic population of Simalungun. This can be seen from the decline in the number of Simalungun people living in Sei Mangkei, as well as the loss of their traditional lands and resources. The influx of migrants has resulted in the displacement of Simalungun people, who are forced to live in areas that are not suitable for their needs.

Cultural Marginalization

Cultural marginalization refers to the loss of cultural identity and language among the Simalungun ethnic community. This can be seen from the decline in the use of the Simalungun language, as well as the loss of traditional customs and practices. The influx of migrants has resulted in the erosion of Simalungun culture, which is being replaced by the dominant culture of the migrants.

Marginalization in the Political Field

Marginalization in the political field refers to the lack of representation and participation of the Simalungun ethnic community in the decision-making process. This can be seen from the lack of Simalungun representatives in the local government, as well as the lack of participation of Simalungun people in the decision-making process.

Conclusion and Implications

The conclusion obtained from this study is that the Simalungun ethnicity as an original ethnicity in Simalungun land has not been able to show their existence as the sons and daughters of the region. The fast migration process and the dominance of migrants in Sei Mangkei became a big challenge for the Simalungun ethnicity in maintaining their identity. In addition, the lack of cultural role in preserving Simalungun culture further worsening this situation.

The Simalungun ethnic community needs to embrace and promote their culture to strengthen their identity. In addition, there needs to be efforts from various parties, including the government and community organizations, to protect and support the existence of the Simalungun ethnicity so as not to be eroded by increasingly complex migration currents. Thus, the existence and local wisdom of the Simalungun ethnic ethnic can be maintained, making them an integral part of cultural diversity in Indonesia.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Promote Simalungun Culture: The Simalungun ethnic community needs to promote their culture to strengthen their identity. This can be done through the organization of cultural events, such as festivals and traditional dances.
  2. Protect Simalungun Land: The Simalungun ethnic community needs to protect their land from being taken over by migrants. This can be done through the establishment of community land trusts and the promotion of sustainable land use practices.
  3. Support Simalungun Language: The Simalungun ethnic community needs to support the use of their language. This can be done through the establishment of language schools and the promotion of language use in everyday life.
  4. Empower Simalungun Community: The Simalungun ethnic community needs to be empowered to participate in the decision-making process. This can be done through the establishment of community organizations and the promotion of community participation in local government.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focused on the Simalungun ethnicity in Sei Mangkei, and did not explore the experiences of other ethnic groups in the region. Secondly, the study only examined the impact of migration on the Simalungun ethnicity, and did not explore other factors that may be contributing to their marginalization. Finally, the study only collected data from a limited number of participants, and may not be representative of the entire Simalungun ethnic community.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the experiences of other ethnic groups in the region, and to examine the impact of migration on their cultural identity and language. Additionally, research should aim to explore other factors that may be contributing to the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity, such as economic inequality and lack of access to education and healthcare. Finally, research should aim to explore the effectiveness of different strategies for promoting the cultural identity and language of the Simalungun ethnicity, such as language schools and cultural festivals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has highlighted the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity in Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, and has examined the impact of the development of the Special Economic Zone (KEK) on the migration and the role of Simalungun ethnic culture in addressing the dominance of migrants. The study has shown that the Simalungun ethnicity is facing significant challenges in maintaining their cultural identity and language, and that there is a need for efforts to promote their culture and protect their land.

Q: What is marginalization of original ethnic?

A: Marginalization of original ethnic refers to the process of excluding or marginalizing an indigenous group from their traditional lands, culture, and identity. This can be due to various factors such as migration, economic development, and cultural assimilation.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity in Sei Mangkei, Simalungun Regency, and examines the impact of the development of the Special Economic Zone (KEK) on the migration and the role of Simalungun ethnic culture in addressing the dominance of migrants.

Q: What are the main factors contributing to the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity?

A: The main factors contributing to the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity are:

  1. Javanese ethnic migration: The influx of Javanese migrants to Sei Mangkei has resulted in the displacement of Simalungun people and the erosion of their cultural identity.
  2. Economic development: The development of the KEK has led to an influx of migrants and the displacement of Simalungun people from their traditional lands.
  3. Cultural assimilation: The Simalungun ethnicity is being assimilated into the dominant culture of the migrants, resulting in the loss of their cultural identity and language.

Q: What are the consequences of marginalization on the Simalungun ethnicity?

A: The consequences of marginalization on the Simalungun ethnicity are:

  1. Loss of cultural identity: The Simalungun ethnicity is losing their cultural identity and language due to the influx of migrants and the erosion of their traditional customs and practices.
  2. Displacement: The Simalungun people are being displaced from their traditional lands and are being forced to live in areas that are not suitable for their needs.
  3. Economic marginalization: The Simalungun ethnicity is being economically marginalized due to the lack of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Q: What can be done to address the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity?

A: To address the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity, the following steps can be taken:

  1. Promote Simalungun culture: The Simalungun ethnicity needs to promote their culture to strengthen their identity and to preserve their cultural heritage.
  2. Protect Simalungun land: The Simalungun ethnicity needs to protect their land from being taken over by migrants and to ensure that they have access to their traditional lands and resources.
  3. Support Simalungun language: The Simalungun ethnicity needs to support the use of their language and to promote language education and cultural preservation.

Q: What is the role of the government in addressing the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity?

A: The government has a significant role to play in addressing the marginalization of the Simalungun ethnicity. This includes:

  1. Protecting Simalungun land: The government needs to protect the land of the Simalungun ethnicity from being taken over by migrants and to ensure that they have access to their traditional lands and resources.
  2. Promoting Simalungun culture: The government needs to promote the culture of the Simalungun ethnicity and to support their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.
  3. Providing economic opportunities: The government needs to provide economic opportunities to the Simalungun ethnicity and to support their efforts to develop their economy.

Q: What is the future of the Simalungun ethnicity?

A: The future of the Simalungun ethnicity is uncertain due to the ongoing marginalization and displacement of their people. However, with the support of the government and the promotion of their culture, the Simalungun ethnicity can work towards preserving their cultural identity and language and ensuring their continued existence as a distinct ethnic group.