Amidst Modernization
Tomia, an island in southeastern Indonesia, part of the Wakatobi island group in Sulawesi, faces several modern social problems. The island’s geographical identity (biodiversity, culture, history, and myth) has become the backbone of many young people. Some members of society—especially young people in Tomia’s remote villages—have also been affected by globalization, which has hurt society’s culture and the system of maintaining order.
The Tomia people face challenges similar to those of other indigenous groups. Take the Maasai in Kenya; they have resisted external pressures. They have also maintained their traditions and land. Meanwhile, global capitalism continues to expand. Like the Maasai, young people in Tomia are trying to navigate modernization while also appreciating the value of their cultural traditions. There are so many questions that come to mind: How does the Tomia identity fit into a structuralist and historical perspective? How can strategies help young people preserve and promote their identity in the face of modernity?
It is said that the history of Tomia is also the geography of Tomia. Its inhabitants are very dependent on the sea for fishing and trade. It is natural considering that the island is located in the Wakatobi Islands. Because it is located in the Coral Triangle, the relationship of the people with water is very high. It makes them environmentally oriented. So, the sea is very important in their daily lives. Traditions, economy, and way of life, in general, all depend on the sea. However, they consciously seek a balance between exploitation and conservation of resources.
Regardless the history of the region cannot be explained without mentioning the islands and trading activities that took place during the 14th century in the Majapahit Kingdom, the latter added tribes such as Bugis, Buton, and Bajau. Therefore, it makes it more like a cultural mix. However, language activists still hold on to the concept of stories, people, and nature. Other forces call for cultural balance. Ultimately, it adds to the cultural enhancement of the islands.
In the modern era, the culture and customs of the Tomia people are not free from the influence of external forces. The entry of modern communication tools, Western culture and education, and competition have created social conflicts and wars among them to be the best. The Tomia people work as fishermen and farmers and uphold community values. However, most of today’s youth want independence and move to urban areas to study and work. However, some changes are necessary for growth. However, the changes are damaging the island’s culture and the togetherness of its people.
Regardless of the changes that have occurred in Tomia, there are advantages and disadvantages, the quality of life has improved due to technological modernization and other forms of modernization. However, once again, modernization also allows the youth of Tomia to know and understand the world and find ways to make a living. On the other hand, ignorance of immunity to side effects cannot be forgiven. In other words, it must be paid for by weakening some social values, reducing the level of social integration, and increasing the level of social chaos.
Historical and Geographical Roots
In the eyes of every structuralist thinker, modernization implies a change in the status quo. But it is not more than within the boundaries of society. In this context, structuralism as a social practice is interpreted by Claude Lévi-Strauss (a French cultural structuralist and anthropologist) as a relationship that includes the past and practices that exist to serve a certain societal equilibrium. In Tomia, for example, individualism is exemplified by modernization seen in the attempt to weaken traditional social networks. It is characterized by the extended family, community leaders, or customs that used to apply in society.
The migration of educated youth to the cities in search of educational and employment opportunities resulted in changes in society. For example, it eliminated traditional family norms and practices. In ancient history, the Tomia society upheld family values and traditions, especially “posompora” (a practice of clans and families helping each other). It served as a social facility in the community promoting their responsibility towards each other. However, the bonding system began to deteriorate. The final effect was the disintegration of the social order that was once the hallmark of Tomia.
However, globalization has brought other ideologies and practices that are contrary to Tomia culture. For example, Western influence through its infiltration of culture through the media, encourages immorality, aggressiveness, and consumerism, contrary to the culture of upholding principles. There is a problem among Tomia youth who want to accept modernity but do not want to give up their cultural identity. Their fears usually arise whenever technology is accepted or their methods of doing things are changed. The fear of abandoning what has been upheld for centuries, namely the customs and values of their society, arises every time.
By promoting cultural education among the younger generation, many Tomia communities have been able to mitigate the negative impacts of modernization. In such cases, historical education and cultural restoration programs will help young people relate to the past and present, and recognize the need to preserve their culture.
Thus, we can also use a historical approach to help Tomia youth learn their own history. History does not simply acknowledge the human past as an event they experienced. Rather, history is a living phenomenon that continues to influence the past and the present. For example, oral history is part of Tomia culture. The elders talk about important aspects of culture and values related to issues such as environmental protection, shared responsibility, and the concept of “community.” However, as people become more modern, the stories may also be in danger of disappearing.
Considering the above references, it can be concluded that the proposal makes sense and more effectively, one can see the management of the oral history machine. There is a need to reintroduce oral history into the school practice on the island because children will just sit and listen to stories, morals, and real-life lessons from their elders. Therefore, the youth will have modern skills. However, it still remembers their cultural roots.
In addition, like celebrations and customs, cultural practices can help bring different groups of people together. One such event is the “Karia” festival in Tomia, dedicated to the water-based lifestyle of the region (where everyone gathers to sing, cook, and share food, dance, and do other sea-related activities and history). But sadly, it has lost its relevance in today’s times as modernity has taken over. Its loss must be prevented as it will make it easier for the young to want to embrace their culture. It also helps bridge the gap between them and preserve their Tomia identity.
Structuralism
The structuralist approach helps to show the capacity of Tomia’s social system to rebuild a sense of belonging and identity amidst the forces of modernity. For Lévi-Strauss and other structuralists, culture is a system of signs, rituals, and practices; it regulates the relations between people. When signs or practices become functional (as in the period of modernity), society risks losing its purpose and becoming lost.
In Tomia, things have long existed such as costumes, dialects, and social practices that have been markers of community identity and togetherness in the past. However, due to the introduction of modern lifestyles and the widespread use of fashion from various cultures in society, the markers have gradually been replaced or drained. For example, the majority of young people today prefer to wear Western clothes considered more stylish and graceful than the traditional “sarung” and “kebaya” worn with great respect before.
The conceptual schema theory thesis suggests a view of how focusing on cultural markers reinforces identity, especially when the markers have been appropriated for young people. Traditional costumes, for example, can change and their aesthetics can be modernized in such a way that they remain relevant to the younger generation without losing their meaning. Promotion of the Tomia language can also help in advertising the language to young people with the use of modern digital technology, thereby saving it from the onslaught of Indonesian and English.
In the scope of cultural structure, there is an explanation focusing on the function of ritual as a mechanism to strengthen socio-cultural order and shared values. In Tomia, rituals related to collective farming, fishing, and spiritual activities are the main forms of organization of social life. The exposition aims to re-establish their ties with the earth, the ocean, and among themselves. However, the customs have been pushed to the margins because new systems of life have come with modernization, thus separating humans.
Efforts can be directed at assimilating indigenous traditions into contemporary practices. For example, there can be community farming projects promoting the use of traditional practices and offering advanced sustainable methods to young people as a way of creating a communal work environment and enhancing their cultural education. Similarly, local environmental education programs can integrate spiritual practices encouraging care for the environment and its resources and instilling respect for nature advancing past community interactions with the environment.
The fact that Tomia youth have the ability to work together in groups to achieve the goal of creating unity among the community is not new. It would be possible if motivated by certain goals, ideologies, and values that are characteristic of all societies today.
Communities are involved in efforts to combat climate change, and environmental conservation is one aspect they can focus on. For example, Tomia Island is blessed with rich marine biodiversity that is essential for the island’s economy and development. On the other hand, practices such as overfishing, coral reef destruction, and pollution threaten the island’s ecosystem. By participating in projects related to environmental conservation, young people can learn a culture of caring for existing resources and the surrounding community.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Within the broader scope of environmental conservation initiatives underway in Tomia, youth can also organize other activities such as beach clean-up exercises, coral reef restoration, and environmentally friendly fishing practices. These actions provide solutions to some environmental challenges as well as positively motivate youth by allowing young people to appreciate their past culture and more. It refreshes the spirit of protecting the environment in each future generation.
In addition, collective action in the social field can also be thought of in other ways, for example in education, in improving economic processes, and in cultural life. The economy of the island of Tomia and the national pride of the islanders can be revived thanks to youth associations promoting entrepreneurship, cultural tourism, and handicrafts. It is in such efforts that young people can participate and thus contribute to increasing their sense of self and belonging to counteract the negative impacts of modernization such as excessive individualism and social disintegration.
Like many other societies around the world, Tomia is in a conflicted position. With modernization and globalization radically changing the island in social, cultural, and economic ways, the younger generation has the burden of evolving while also trying to resist disintegration. It is not an easy task, but it is detrimental to the relationship Tomia youth have with themselves. They can engage in historical education, and cultural revitalization, and achieve the all through collective action.
In the absence of war, structuralism helps in analyzing how societies are formed. In Tomia culture, traditional elements such as cultural markers, customs, and community organizations serve as social barriers to modernity. Teaching history provides guidance to young people about past events in the present and the challenges they face in the present. Knowledge is power, organization is organization, and movement is mobilization in such a way. Therefore, Tomia youth can uphold the historical background of the island in its development process.
Bibliography
- Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. Basic Books.
- Lévi-Strauss, C. (1966). The Savage Mind. University of Chicago Press.
- Lowenthal, D. (1998). The Heritage Crusade and the Spoils of History. Cambridge University Press.
- Smith, A. D. (1991). National Identity. University of Nevada Press.
- Tsing, A. L. (2005). Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection. Princeton University Press.