Article

Komunitas: International Journal of Government Policies and Indonesian Society and Culture 9(1) (2017): 37-47 DOI:10.15294/komunitas.v9i1.6456 Ethnical Diversity © 2017 Semarang State University, p-ISSN 2086 - 5465 | e-ISSN 2460-7320 Under Multiculturalism: http://journal.unnes.ac.id/nju/index.php/komunitas UNNES JOURNALS The Study of

Sastro M Wantu1

1Faculty of Social Sciences, State University of , Indonesia

Received: 22 June 2016; Accepted: 20 March 2017; Published: 30 March 2017

Abstract This paper describes the construction of ethnic integration in Pohuwato local government policies which is supported by community under Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversiy) and multiculturalism. This research employed qualitative approach with the aim of tracing and analyzing social harmony from various ethnici- ties existing in society and government policy Pohuwato Regency. The instruments of the study included data, facts and concepts that were relevant. This study aimed to see the problem of segregation within societies by primordial groups to solve ethnic integration in which ethnic groups are bound together. There are two regional policies (1) controlling inter-ethnic relations and constructing the model of Gorontalo com- munity as an important element of social, cultural and political aspect which uphold openness and toler- ance; and (2) using deliberative public space in order to achieve harmonious atmosphere between pub- lic (community) with the government in protecting the diversity. Therefore, it can be concluded that ethnic communities residing in Pohuwato Regency are bound to unite by the desire to improve new and better lives between immigrants and local communities. This desire becomes a symbol of unity based on mutual respect for different values to​​ achieve the integration or unity of multicultural ethnic groups.

Keywords policy; government; diversity; ethnicity; multiculturalism; harmony

INTRODUCTION groups. In relation to the phenomenon of pluralism of Indonesian society, in some Indonesia is a country that has special cha- areas before and after the fall of the New Or- racteristic of ethnic diversity with its dif- der government, there are apparently some ferent languages and cultures formulated alarming ethnic problems because there is a in national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” clash of differences that tend to give rise to (Unity in iversity). Although this nation is proud of the colorful nature bound by the horizontal conflict. third principle of Pancasila (five national The period of violence conflict which pillars), the country also concerns with se- has escalated massively in a very high inten- veral problems arising from such differences sity emerges in several tangible forms such as the process of national integration bet- Corresponding author ween ethnic groups, or minority-majority Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 6 Kota Gorontalo, Indonesia groups and the process of development of Email [email protected] understanding between different religious 38 Sastro M Wantu, Government Policies and Ethnical Diversity Under Multiculturalism... as destruction, burning and persecution of opportunity as majority has in all aspects worship places based on research results of social, politics and economy. Pohuwato from Loekman et al (2000). According to community is inhabited by a society that the report from University of Gadjah Mada, is diverse and plural. According to Nasikun there are twenty cases of violence in Indone- (1996), a pluralistic society with a balanced sia since 1995-1997. Furthermore, after the competition and plural society with domi- fall of the New Order, horizontal conflicts nant majority have the ability to develop were worse than before. There are several national integration dynamics rather than a conflicts which happened in Central society with a dominant minority or plural Province, Provinces and society with segmentation. . These horizontal conflicts have not To strengthen harmonious social rela- been able to be mitigated. Even after the tions and mutual recognition among others cases of Poso, Maluku and Papua, there are based on diversity, the local government of several horizontal conflicts which are still Pohuwato proclaims the policies of local occurring such as the violence cases in Riau, wisdom values ​​of community to uphold har- South Lampung and so forth. In 2015, some mony by making consensual ground y based conflicts based on ethnicities happened in on kinship system named “Mohuyula”. Not- Tolikara Papua Province, Central Maluku withstanding differences of race, ethnicity, and Singkil in Aceh. religion, culture and language, they keep However, if we take a look at many ca- cooperating and coexist peacefully because ses of horizontal conflicts that spread in In- they have “everyone is our brother” menta- donesia, there is one interestingly opposite lity. This view is built as a policy to deal with situation in Gorontalo Province especially social problems of a variety of conflicts ari- in Pohuwato Regency. In this area, the com- sing from their social segmentation. munity is very harmonious and tolerant by Based on the above argumentation, acknowledging and accepting social diversi- there are some basic questions that we need ty. Therefore, the community shows a tole- to look at if we want to find a solution to see rant attitude for pluralism in the form of in- the ability of this area to maintain harmony terethnic interaction style that mingles well and ethnic integration: How can the pattern and bound to each other. This harmonious of inter-ethnic relations in Pohuwato Regen- conditions existing in the area is certainly a cy be tied to each other? What is the policy very important lesson for Indonesian peop- of Pohuwato local government to equitably le to create ethnic integration of diversity organize the society under the perspective amidst pluralistic crisis in Indonesia. of multiculturalism? This study is impor- The demographical composition of tant in the way it discusses the multicultural population in Pohuwato Regency is mul- policies of a regency or district government. tiethnic. This regency consists of Gorontalo The existing literatures on multicultural po- ethnic as majority and other ethnic minori- licy largely focus on the state or departmen- ties such as Chinese, Arabian, Minahasa, tal section of national government (Baldwin Sangir Thalaud (), Javanese, & Huber 2010; Vertovec 2010). Balinese, , Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) Bugis and Makasar ethnics. The- Public Administration and Ethnic Plu- se ethnic groups have different cultural, ralism linguistic and religious backgrounds. From Ethnic diversity in plural societies is part of the composition of the society, there is a the study in various disciplines of sociolo- very interesting phenomenon. Unlike in gy, anthropology and politics. Public admi- other areas which show unequal distributi- nistration is also very important discipline on of opportunity, the Gorontalo ethnic as even though it is not like the study of ot- a dominant majority can share the chances her social sciences. Under political science and power justly with the other ethnic mi- perspective, plural society according to Ro- norities. The ethnic minorities have equal bushka and Shepsle is defined in three pa-

UNNES JOURNALS Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Society and Culture 9 (1) (2017): 37-47 39 rameters: (1) Cultural diversity, (2) Ethnic vironment. Some cases like the newcomer alliances, (3) Politically organized (Nasikun who succeed in a short time would pose a 1996; Muttarak 2010; Gay 2013). And the ot- new threat to the local people who regard her social science approaches are most wi- their resources and power as being highly dely cited by experts on pluralistic societies threatened and exploited. Or otherwise, the including Hefner (2007) which summarizes local people massively dominate and cont- the work of Furnival, Miller and Walzer. Ac- rol the resources or powers; not even allow cording to Furnival (1944), plural society is the ethnic minorities to be comer commu- a society consisting of two or more elements nities. Dominations are not just in econo- or social order that coexist, but without mic and social aspects but also the power of blending in one political unit. Therefore, the public bureaucracy. Therefore, the abi- Miller (1993) argues that independent insti- lity of the state to handle the ethnic conflict tutions are almost impossible to appear in is needed. This ability would require the countries of different nations. Among peop- capability of state public administration in le who are lack a sense of commonality, es- performing its function as a fair intermedi- pecially if they read and speak in different ary institution in allocating resources only languages, the unity of public opinion is ne- limited to ethnic groups which always com- cessary for the operation of a representati- pete each other (Effendi 2010). ve government cannot live. In this context, Further, Effendi (2010, pp. 178-180) Walzer (1996) argues that there is an irony shows that public administration in both of Western liberal scientists such as Mill central and regional governments is an ins- where pluralism accommodation occurs in titution that formulates, implements and utilitarian interests between buyers and sel- formulates policies as well as programs to lers in the market, but when it comes to the channel government and private resour- public and political life of liberals, they are ces to community groups. In practice, such completely unprepared for cultural plurality government policies and programs do not (Carter 2010; Lancee 2011; Sturgis 2011; Gay share benefits and costs evenly. Therefore, 2010). in practice, the multi-ethnic communities According Ahimsa-Putra (2009), to which are benefitted and disadvantaged respond to this situation, multicultura- can always be identified, both as reality and lism is needed to be assessed within three perceived with a particular ethnic group. perspectives, namely: (1) social conscious- Although rules, policies and programs are ness, referring to the knowledge held by a formally always objective and impartial, group, community, society or tribe about there is often deviation and misappropriati- particular matters and those units are awa- on in practice because there is preference to re of such knowledge systems; (2) social- a particular ethnic group. Several cases like cultural construction, referring to a pheno- the success of elite immigrants in a short menon that is constructed by an individual period of time certainly pose a new threat together with other individuals through the to the local community who perceive their process of communication in which lan- resources and power to be severely threate- guage is most important tools in the pro- ned and repressed. Or vice versa, the native cess; (3) Historical phenomenon, referring community with the domination over cont- to multiculturalism in the form of a certain rol of resources and power who does not socio-cultural that is created as a result of even give opportunities to ethnic minorities the interaction between various factors in as a migrant community (Dahlberg 2012; the life of a society in a particular period. Forehand 2016). Therefore, ethnic pluralism is an un- In public administration for examp- derlying factor between public administra- le, people should pay attention to the com- tion and community development in many position of plural society as mentioned by countries, including Indonesia. The factor is Robushka and Shepsle (1972) who distin- also essential for public administration en- guish plural society in four configurations,

UNNES JOURNALS 40 Sastro M Wantu, Government Policies and Ethnical Diversity Under Multiculturalism... namely; (1) a plural society with a balanced the idea of kinship Mohuyula andg basuda- competition, (2) plural society with domi- ra torang (we are all brothers). nant majority, (3) a plural society with a The data was collected through an in- dominant minority, and (4) a plural society tegrative way to see the relevant data from with fragmentation (in Nasikun, 1996). The the following sources. results are consistent with the argument of First, the main data source was from Meier and Hawes (2008) who conducted the Pohuwato Regency of Gorontalo Pro- a study of Ethnic conflict in France a case vince. The data was collected by observing for representative bureaucracy examining and investigating many competent sources assumptions about the values of diversity, to find the answers about the social pheno- flexibility and the use of the bureaucracy menon. This research tried to capture the representation. Although it shows somet- meaning and information from observa- hing biased, it is always part of the value of tions such as discovering natural events re- French especially when dealing with ethnic lated to multi-ethnical diversity. In-depth minorities and lower class citizens. interviews were conducted to obtain infor- The study employed a qualitative ap- mation (empirical data) associated with an proach, which according to the Lincoln understanding of local government poli- & Guba (1985) is referred to as a natura- cy in building inter-ethnic diversity in Po- listic paradigm. Through this qualitative huwato Regency under the perspective of approach, researchers described and found multiculturalism. Gorontalo people had a phenomenon that had a unique character diverse values, traditions and social leader- in the implementation of local government ship which were merged into an open social policies in constructing the integration of life. Local government managed the policies ethnic groups. This study was conducted in a fair society in facing social segmenta- in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province. tion, structuring harmony between ethnic The regency was considered because it has communities through kinship (mohuyula) implemented regional autonomy by not and maintaining basudara torang ideology only building the welfare of society, but also (everyone is brothers). taking into account the dimension of eth- After that, in-depth interviews were nic pluralism. The regency constructed lo- conducted to obtain information related cal wisdom values ​​in order to maintain the to an understanding of local government integration which could create harmony policy in building inter-ethnic diversity in and attitude of multiculturalism in the lo- Pohuwato Regency under the perspective of cal community. The focus of the study was multiculturalism. The data was purposively to look at the pattern of inter-ethnic rela- collected in 2015. The informants involved tions in Pohuwato Regency, involving he- governmental officials and scholars. The to- terogeneity as one of the reality of diversity tal of all informants were 53 people as infor- and multiculturalism between migrants and mants who were considered mastering the local communities in Pohuwato. The region problems. has strong economic base, ethnic pluralism Second, the data was also obtained and regional autonomy in ethnicity. Pohu- through several documents available both wato Regency government implemented from local government and community. Me- policies which equally organize society dia, literature, workshops and so on were group under multiculturalism to solve va- considered as complementary data sour- rious conflicts arising from social segmen- ces. Based on primary and secondary data tation. Through their vision of mission on sources, the data was then recorded from social justice, the local government could observing the participants, writing the in- create deliberative public sphere and some terview result and doing rigorous field no- policies by maintaining the social capital va- tes. lues and local knowledge to the recognition After collecting the data, the data was of multiculturalism and harmony through analyzed by using interactive model analy-

UNNES JOURNALS Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Society and Culture 9 (1) (2017): 37-47 41 sis (Miles and Huberman 1992) consisting talo province is known as the pivot area of three components of analysis, i.e. data for linking the trade. The line of territory reduction, data presentation and conclusi- connects this area and other regions starting on. Data analysis based on interviews and from the South Sulawesi Province, West Su- field notes and other materials had been lawesi Province, Province primarily concerned with local government and other districts in Gorontalo Province policy in developing inter-ethnic diversity such as , North Gorontalo in Pohuwato Regency under the perspective Regency, , Gorontalo City of multiculturalism. to North Sulawesi province, such as Bolaang Mongondow Raya, Minahasa and Manado The Pattern of Inter-Ethnical Relation- areas. The capital city of Pohuwato Regency ships is Marisa sub-district located in tropical are- The most widely used classical doctrine as which geographically is located in North by government and plural society in many Latitude 0.19-1.15 “and 12’23’123,43. The area parts of the world including at the local level covers 424.31 KM2 or 34.75% of the province is how to preserve the value of unity which width. The area is bordered by some areas is bound by mutual recognition of social di- namely, Regency of Central Sulawe- versity and rejects the separation of ethnic si province in the north, Gulf of Tomini of groups based on hatred and discriminati- central Sulawesi province in the south, Bo- on. The classical doctrine teaches us that alemo Regency of Gorontalo province in the the most powerful way to stabilize an inter- east, while the Moutong Regency of Central ethnic region is to build a cohesive harmony Sulawesi province in the west. based on shared values ​​to achieve a better Furthermore, the case of Pohuwato life. Based on this argument, Rawls (1980) shows that people have and believe in equal and Kymlicka (2011) conclude that the sour- values on​​ the basis of the foundations of eth- ce of unity in modern society is a conception nic and religious differences. They have the of equal justice. According to Rawls, though, same desire and strong principle to remain a well-organized society comes from public united between the group of immigrants as agreement on political and social justice ethnic minorities and the local people of that supports the bonds of civil relationship Gorontalo as majority ethnic. The life of the and secures the ties of the association. community that is built in Banuroja society The conception of such empirical and is none other because each ethnic group has theoretical values can be applied in the case high awareness that they are immigrants of the community in Pohuwato Regency in who want to try their fortune in the area overcoming social problems. They show that where the local people of Gorontalo stay be- social pluralism of the community can crea- fore them. Therefore, mutual cooperation te interethnic integration. The regency can can be developed among them. In addition, actually be categorized as a conducive area there are community leaders who have the with its rich natural resources and plural capability to foster unity. For example, in the people by implementing diversity and mul- Balinese ethnic community, there are public ticultural values. The natural resources and figures who are considered to solve problems community pluralism are mutual aspects, if there is a conflict among where the background of interethnic society themselves and they are able to communi- depends on the dimensions of the readiness cate with other ethnic communities. Simi- of the potential and natural wealth of the larly, there are other ethnic communities area. which have the same situation. Hence, they To view such connection better, an can live together with the same desire and initial snapshot on geographical conditions strong principles of tolerance. which make the government and the pub- The unity of ethnic groups in this area lic are interested in this area. The regency is caused by the formation of the district of has an economic potential because Goron- Pohuwato which is a model to build inter-

UNNES JOURNALS 42 Sastro M Wantu, Government Policies and Ethnical Diversity Under Multiculturalism... ethnic harmony. The model is originally the que for the Islamic community both Goron- placement of transmigrants from various re- talo, , West Nusa Tenggara and others. gions who came in this area on January 17, They are united by the desire to imp- 1981. Each of them built various kind of pla- rove their better lives between new comers ces of worship ranging from the temple for as migrants and local people who receive Balinese people, the Church for the Toraja, inspiration. The interaction can be an ac- Minahasa, Sangir Thalaud groups, and Mos- culturation between the local spirit and the

Table 1. Number of Religious Believers in Pohuwato Regency in 2015 Number Of Believers By Religion No Districts Christians Confu- Hindu Buddha Protestant Catholic cianism 1 Paguat 15630 160 10 1 4 0 2 Dengilo 5.917 183 0 0 0 0 3 Marisa 17.503 137 18 15 8 0 4 Duhiadaa 11.269 82 19 0 0 0 5 Buntulia 11153 41 1 0 0 0 6 Patilanggio 9,033 123 0 0 0 0 7 Randangan 15,038 467 32 1.189 11 0 8 Taluditi 7,425 417 7 50 0 0 9 Wanggarasi 4.611 479 53 0 0 0 10 Lemito 11206 2.151 0 0 0 0 11 East 6.126 2.151 43 4 0 0 12 Popayato 9,720 268 4 1 0 0 13 West Popayato 7,371 81 2 0 0 0 TOTAL 132,002 4,878 189 1.260 23 0 Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pohuwato Regency 2015 and is Processed by re- searchers.

Table 2: Number of Religious Places of Worship in Pohuwato Regency Total Place of Worship Church No Districts Mush- Tem- Vi- Pa- Mosque Protes- Catho- olah ple hara goda tant lic 1 Paguat 28 5 3 0 0 0 0 2 Dengilo 13 3 4 0 0 0 0 3 Marisa 18 8 2 0 0 0 0 4 Duhiadaa 16 7 1 0 0 0 0 5 Buntulia 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 Patilanggio 20 1 2 0 0 0 0 7 Randangan 30 13 7 1 11 0 0 8 Taluditi 21 24. 8 0 3 1 0 9 Wanggarasi 16 4 5 0 0 0 0 10 Lemito 18 1 1 2 0 0 0 11 East Popayato 10 1 8 2 0 0 0 12 Popayato 21 1 2 1 0 0 0 13 West Popayato 10 3 1 0 0 0 0 Total 233 77 44 6 14 1 0 Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pohuwato Regency 2015 and is processed by re- searchers.

UNNES JOURNALS Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Society and Culture 9 (1) (2017): 37-47 43 spirit of change under the immigrants. This the vision and mission of Pohuwato Regen- hope becomes a symbol for unity which is cy in 2010-2015. Based on the vision and mis- based on mutual respect for different values​​ sion of Pohuwato regency, the physical and to achieve the integration or unity of ethnic human resource developments and respect groups. The value of this unity can be tra- for pluralism serve as symbol of the policy ced, among others, in religious life in the of local government. This policy has been form of a very harmonious, social, economic implemented and is very successful in cre- tolerance as stated by Ustad Alimudin (Pe- ating an integration that produces a condu- santren) who states that Pohuwato society cive, harmonious and cohesive community consists of various ethnic, cultural and re- situation. ligious. However, society always lives their The policy becomes the direction harmonious and peaceful life. Therefore, of the strategy in organizing the Pohuwa- there is no conflict associated with intereth- to community. One of which, is to create a nic in Banuroja village and the crime rate in policy of development that has the dimen- this village is very low; it can even be said sion of community justice and to nurture not at all. Any problem that occurs in the the pluralism of the community as well as village is directly addressed by the village to give economic and social opportunities government through the coordination of all to all the plural society of Pohuwato. In the religious and custom leaders. This is proven socio-economic dimension, for example, lo- by the students in Madrasah who also come cal government provides policies for ethnic from Balinese ethnic who are Hindu. Hence, communities to enjoy development with no the organizers of Pesantren adjust the reli- difference and discrimination, while in the gious education curriculum. For , political dimension can be seen from several there is a teacher of Hinduism who is hired positions occupied by several ethnic groups. in Madrasah. The overview of Pohuwato Based on the above overview, Po- government’s vision is “Realization of pub- huwato Regency community is bound to lic welfare above Pohuwato spiritual va- each other. According to the view, it is most lue through the development of human appropriate to quote the argument from resources and the development of people’s Charles Taylor (1991) which states that pub- economy”. And the mission which is clo- lic may feel passionate to work together in sely related to the issues of pluralism and building a society in a vast diversity and multiculturalism is “Developing the civil they are willing to sacrifice to make the so- society with high morality, culture, respect ciety united. Loyalty is a product of mutual for pluralism and gender equality. In addi- solidarity. If citizens have a strong sense of tion to that, upholding the supremacy and identity toward other ethnic groups, they governance which is more equitable in pro- will witness the prospect of maintaining an viding public services and security for the inspiring and enjoyable diversity. According communities (Development Plan 2010-2015 to Kymlicka (2011), a shared value of enthu- and Kuncoro 2013). Besides the policy that siasm for vast diversity can help maintain a is formulated based on the above vision and degree of solidarity. If that is not the case, mission, other policies which are affirmative what will come up is what is feared by Mil- action and very close with inter-ethnic rela- ler (1993). If there are two groups of people tions are dialogue with community leaders (ethnics) or more do not want to live toget- (interfaith), nurturing harmonious life and her, it will be difficult to form solidarity. cooperation among religious believers. The vision and mission of Pohuwato The Policy of Pohuwato Regency Regency government with the dimension Government to Justly Organize Com- of justice serves as the catalyst of mutual munity Groups. relationship among citizens and regions. Measuring the dynamics of development The local government represents the le- and community direction can be seen from vel of development of cultural dimensions

UNNES JOURNALS 44 Sastro M Wantu, Government Policies and Ethnical Diversity Under Multiculturalism... which is quite high. This is proven by the dealing with the distribution of justice in government’s concern at the local level in order to improve the welfare of society is building the diversity of a multicultural so- conducted through the process of transmi- ciety. The concern is not just a slogan but gration of population policies which is not also in the form of affirmative action ma- only expected to improve society quality nagement for plurality oriented wisdom life, but also to build diversity among com- of kinship (mohuyula) and torang basuda- munity groups in order to get to know each ra (we are all brothers) supported by a po- other with different backgrounds both from licy-oriented vision of pluralism mission. By the tribe / ethnicity, religion, culture and looking at the phenomenon and various character. Even so, there are some concrete problems in managing the plurality of the steps taken by the government including: community, the local government of Pohu- (1) The local government takes into account wato creates policies and takes a decision the concept and awareness of multicultural that has the dimension of justice for plu- society for their bureaucracy system. (2) The ralistic community. The policy of local go- local government provides assistance and vernment is to make a policy that not only cooperation between the different ethnic revolves around the level of concept, idea or communities in the social life of the com- political campaign, but also relates to em- munity, for example, in commemorating pirical matters such as understanding, dis- religious holidays. (3) The local government course, mutual respect, acknowledging, ac- always involves ethnic groups in the discus- cepting and practicing diversity manifested sion of regional development policies which by interaction in daily lives for every com- also includes the problems faced by the munity group. To implement this condition, community. This meeting is usually held at a local government policy is needed as an the home Panua (discussion house is a pla- element that not only contains legality but ce when there is a problem should decide as also as a formulation, implementation and involving local government) (4) Local Go- can be assessed by a public space. Therefore, vernment emphasizes the educational insti- the role of local government of Pohuwato is tutions to accept social diversity, for examp- expected by the public space that is a society le the establishment of Islamic boarding that waits and requires real action that is not school salafiiya Syafiiyah and also worship just a mere issue, but an action that is imple- places for Christian, Hinduism, mented and felt by the local community is and Islam in the middle of interethnic com- what is called a harmonious life, peace and munities. harmony. Programs in government policy Pohu- In handling the diversity of society in wato in managing the diversity of ethnicity Pohuwato Regency, local government takes can be seen on the role of Pohuwato Regency a long time. This can even be said that the in establishing interactive communication effort has been done throughout the ages of between local government and local com- the development of pluralistic society. The munities. Through this communication, policy is certainly concerned with how an the direction of regional development can ethnic pluralism is understood. And also, be accessed by the community and also the the threat to community unity and national nature of the development of value-creating integration should be effectively dealt with justice in society without creating demarca- to create order among ethnic groups justly. tion line between the interests of particular The way how local government crea- groups of people. Interactive communicati- tes policy in the real life of Pohuwato society on is seen when there is a difference of opi- cannot be separated from the general po- nion among communities. In this case, the licy of the central government in handling local government invites traditional leaders, everything related to the interests of the community leaders to engage in dialogue to general public. The government’s policy in seek a solution of existing problems.

UNNES JOURNALS Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Society and Culture 9 (1) (2017): 37-47 45

The Policy of Pohuwato Government Panua to collect the feedbacks and comp- in to Get Closer with the Multicultural laints from society. Therefore, the potential Public Sphere conflicts in Pohuwato community can be de- This policy of local governments aims at tected by policies such as the establishment putting a direct and deliberative partici- of volunteers who detect vulnerabilities pation from society in creating democra- before the onset of the conflict. The volun- cy at the local level. This means that the teers conduct fieldwork in the community government’s policy in dealing with social by detecting any causes of the conflicts that pluralism of Pohuwato people should use arise. Then, Pahuwato government always deliberative public space to achieve harmo- implements effective security with some nization between community and govern- volunteers placed in each district. They will ment. In this paper, the terminology of de- provide information as soon as possible to liberation is a process of discursive in which the government and security forces. Their participants (people) take choices together work is supported by several interethnic through reasoning, argumentation and per- figures. In addition, Kesbangpol effort in suasion public, and therefore deliberation fostering community relationships is con- is important to createequality (Harris, et al. ducted by developing inter-religious dialo- 2004).Creating stability for public space is gue every year. Therefore, organizing inter- very essential because, borrowing a phrase ethnic harmony in society is not solely held Putnam cited by Avrizer, disintegration is a by Pohuwato diverse community, but also is source of instability and tensions that might very dependent on the pattern of Pohuwato endanger democracy (in Harris, et al. 2004). Regency government. The policy of local go- Putnam (1993) addresses concern vernment policy is very clear, for example by which consciously or unconsciously is al- creating social capital of “huyula” (coope- ready practiced in Pohuwato, an area that ration), “torang basudara” (we are all brot- is free from any conflict just like its neigh- hers) and also government action among ot- boring regions such as Poso area. Until now, hers, to go directly to any civic activities that Poso is still a vortex region of conflicts. The present interethnic communities. anticipation stated by Putnam is empirically Notwithstanding its complex society, implanted by Pohuwato local government the communities supports the policy made and its people to avoid the conflict occur- by local government because Pahuwato rence like in their neighboring regions. They Regency government succeeds in building firmly consider that unstable condition will the integration of ethnic groups as desired create not only a destruction to democracy, by pillars of Bhineka Tunggal Ika, Pancasi- but also as a humanitarian disaster. la, the Constitution of 1945 and the Unitary In analyzing the theoretical foundati- State of the Republic of Indonesia. Regula- on used by Pahuwato local government in tory practices that have been implemented implementing policy to prevent conflicts, by local government is always based on the there are some policies from local autho- above four national pillars as fundamen- rities pursued by, among others, the poli- tal strength. The spirit forms the basis for cy through the National Unity and Politics the strength of new regency of Pohuwato (Kesbangpol) always monitor the develop- that was originally only consisted of three ments taking place in the community, inclu- districts under the Gorontalo Regency befo- ding a variety of potential conflict, namely: re Reformation Era. In the beginning of Re- (1) Strengthening cooperation among reli- formation Era, Pahuwato Regency was under gious communities; (2) Creating dialogues Boalemo Regency which both of them were with all religions annually; (3) Fostering initially under Gorontalo Regency. The basic harmony; (4) Opening local administration situation creates local democracy spirit and in terms of equal opportunities for all, wit- euphoria to push the local government and hout distinction of background; (5) Open- its people to establish new regencies with ing the public space through the house of their autonomy in the middle of diverse and

UNNES JOURNALS 46 Sastro M Wantu, Government Policies and Ethnical Diversity Under Multiculturalism... mosaic of ethnicities, religions and cultural The Image of Cultural Village”. characters under harmonious and mutual The aspirations towards harmonious tolerance of each other. ethnic integration as listed in the vision and The policies of Pahuwato local go- mission is a policy concept aimed at estab- vernment have always been implemented lishing a form of social diversity through by people in this area through coordination Mohuyula kinship, and ideology of Torang among community, religious and inter-eth- Basudara (we are all brothers). The situati- nic leaders to maintain a harmonious social on is interesting because there are diverse life. The life is very conducive because they ethnic communities who preserve their uni- can maintain the harmony although they que cultures and at the same time, coexist consist of various ethnicities, religions and with a dynamic and tolerant process. The culture. Therefore, this area no longer has ideology of “Torang Basudara” (we are all conflicts of ethnicities, religions and culture brothers) and the value of the social capital as well as horizontal conflicts. The policies of kinship are strong foundations that are of the local government in building a har- maintained since they first came (ethnics monious life is based on mutual and delibe- outside Gorontalo) and met with Gorontalo rative management practice of democracy people who have stayed in the area for cen- through developing forums and interaction. turies. The communication not only builds a peace- ful life, but also as an attempt to ward off the provocation and social tensions in Pohuwa- CONCLUSION to. Therefore, the awareness of coexisting Ethnic groups in the region are bound to be life can be realized with high multicultura- united by a desire to improve new and bet- lism. The situation of tolerance is social rea- ter life. The migrants and the local people lity and not based on fake process without receive inspiration that the acculturation any political interests. between the spirit of local and the spirit of The condition in Pahuwato is very changes is essential. This desire becomes a counter-productive with the existing events symbol for unity based on mutual respect in other parts of Indonesian archipelago. of different values ​​to achieve integration or People with diversity are always overwhel- unity of ethnic groups. med by the competition which is not ba- The ability of Pohuwato society in dea- lanced and tends to result in social and ho- ling with social problems, especially with re- rizontal conflicts. The integrity is not only gard to social pluralism, can give create eth- a result of community awareness to live in nic integration. Although the area has rich diversity, but also is supported by the abi- natural resources and diverse communities, lity of Pauwato local governments to orga- it can maintain peaceful life and apply va- nize in the values of unity in diversity as a lues of multiculturalism. strength of communities and regions. Vario- The policies of Pohuwato govern- us empirical slogans are not only listed on ment in managing the plurality of society the vision and mission of the local govern- can be seen in the vision and mission which ment, but also can be seen from the efforts emphasizes the importance of pluralism of local government to build slogans that and multiculturalism, as states in the mis- remind people to maintain social pluralism sion “Developing the civil society with high such as “ Let Us Build Harmonious And In- morals, culture, respect for pluralism and ter-Religious Tolerance For the realization of gender equality. Additionally, upholding the Prosperous Community of Pohuwato which supremacy and governance which provides is based on Religious Values «. Similarly, equitable public services and security for the the slogan that exists in society of Banuroja people.” whose image is motivated by the places of Pohuwato government policy always worship of all religions that exist in the regi- opens to pluralism and the people who have on such as “Coexist, Peaceful and Beautiful, the social capital to form a miniature of In-

UNNES JOURNALS Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Society and Culture 9 (1) (2017): 37-47 47 donesian which is famous for plural society sity: A Wake-Up Call for Parent Training–Re- based on the value of unity in diversity. published Article. Behavior therapy, 47(6), pp. 981-992. Government policies at the local level Gay, G., 2010. Acting on beliefs in teacher education empirically generates a new awareness for for cultural diversity. Journal of teacher educa- the people that are voluntary and coopera- tion, 61(1), pp. 143-152. tion in creating tolerant, harmonious and Gay, G., 2013. Teaching to and through cultural diver- peaceful life as a model in managing plura- sity. Curriculum Inquiry, 43(1), pp. 48-70. Harris, J., Kristian S., 2004. Politisasi Demokrasi: Poli- lism at the local level with a very pluralistic tik Lokal baru. Demos, . society. Hefner, R., 2007. Multikulturalisme dan Kewarganeg- araan di Malaysia, Singapura dan Indonesia, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in Robert W. Hefner (ed) Politik Multikul- In this opportunity, I would like to send my turalisme, Menggugat Realitas Kebangsaan. Kanisius, Yogyakarta. gratitude to those who have contributed Kuncoro, M., 2013. Evaluasi Mid-Term RPJMD Kabu- important roles in the research process un- paten Pohuwato Provinsi Gorontalo 2010-2015. til the writing of the manuscript. First, I Bappeda Kabupaten Pohuwato, Pohuwato. specifically address my infinite gratitude to Kymlicka, W., 2011. Kewarganegaraan Multikultural. the Ministry of Research and Higher Edu- LP3ES, Jakarta. Lancee, B., & Dronkers, J., 2011. Ethnic, religious and cation which has provided research funding economic diversity in Dutch neighbourhoods: through the Higher Education Research Explaining quality of contact with neighbours, Leading The Development and Upgrading trust in the neighbourhood and inter-ethnic of Seven Universities In Improving the Qua- trust. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Stud- ies, 37(4), pp. 597-618. lity and Relevance of Higher Education in Miles & Huberman. 1992. Analisa Data Kualitatif. UI Indonesia and also to the Institute for Rese- Press, Jakarta. arch and Community Services as well as the Miller, D., 1993. In Defense of Nationality. Journal of Center for Social Studies, Faculty of Social Applied Philosophy, 10(1), pp. 3-16 Sciences, State University of Gorontalo. Muttarak, R., & Heath, A., 2010. Who intermarries in Britain? Explaining ethnic diversity in inter- marriage patterns. The British journal of soci- ology, 61(2), pp. 275-305. REFERENCES Nasikun, 1996. Pembangunan dan Dinamika Inte- Ahimsa-Putra, S.H., 2009. Multikulturalisme, Plural- grasi Nasional dalam Masyarakat Majemuk, in isme dan Lintas Budaya, Makalah Antropologi Heryanto, A. (ed) Nasionalisme Refleksi Kritis Budaya, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Universitas Gad- Kaum Ilmuwan. Pustaka Pelajar, Yogyakarta. jah Mada. Putnam. 1993. Making Domocracy Work: Civic Tra- Baldwin, K., & Huber, J.D., 2010. Economic versus cul- ditions in Modern Italy. Princeton University tural differences: Forms of ethnic diversity and Press, New Jersey. public goods provision. American Political Sci- Rawls, J., 1980. Kantian constructivism in moral theo- ence Review, 104(4), pp. 644-662. ry. The journal of philosophy, 77(9), pp.515-572. Carter, D.A., D’Souza, F., Simkins, B.J., & Simpson, Soetrisno, L., 2000. Kekerasan kolektif: Kondisi dan W.G., 2010. The gender and ethnic diversity Pemicu. PPSK UGM, Yogyakarta. of US boards and board committees and firm Sturgis, P., Brunton-Smith, I., Read, S., & Allum, financial performance. Corporate Governance: N., 2011. Does ethnic diversity erode trust? An International Review, 18(5), pp. 396-414. Putnam’s ‘hunkering down’thesis reconsid- Dahlberg, M., Edmark, K., & Lundqvist, H., 2012. Eth- ered. British Journal of Political Science, 41(1), nic diversity and preferences for redistribu- pp. 57-82. tion. Journal of Political Economy, 120(1), pp. Taylor, C., 1991. Shared and Divergent Values, in Watts, 41-76. R. & Brown D. (ed) Options for a New Canada. Effendi, S., 2010.Reformasi Tata Kepemerintahan, me- University of Toronto Press, Toronto. nyiapkan Aparatur Negara Untuk mendukung Vertovec, S., 2010. Towards post‐multiculturalism? Demokratisasi Politik dan Ekonomi Terbuka. Changing communities, conditions and con- Gadjah Mada University Press, Yogyakarta. texts of diversity. International social science Forehand, R., & Kotchick, B. A., 2016. Cultural Diver- journal, 61(199), pp. 83-95.

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