Enigma in Cultural

The Role of Customary Law in Forest Governance and Conservation in Jambi, Indonesia: A Case Study of Makekal Hulu Village within the Customary Territory of the Suku Anak Dalam

Burhanuddin — 2024-10-02

Indonesia's forests face increasing pressures from deforestation and degradation. While national laws exist to protect these vital ecosystems, their implementation often faces challenges, particularly in areas inhabited by indigenous communities with distinct customary laws and practices. This study examines the role of customary law (adat law) in forest governance and conservation in Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on Makekal Hulu village within the customary territory of the Suku Anak Dalam. This qualitative study employed a case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with adat leaders, community members, government officials, and NGO representatives. Focus group discussions were conducted to gather diverse perspectives on forest management practices. Relevant documents, such as adat regulations, government policies, and NGO reports, were also analyzed. Additionally, data was utilized to enhance understanding of resource use dynamics and land-use change patterns. The findings reveal that adat law plays a significant role in regulating access to and use of forest resources in Makekal Hulu. Adat institutions, led by the village elder and guided by customary beliefs, enforce rules related to logging, hunting, and land clearing. These rules often complement national laws, providing a localized and context-specific approach to forest management. However, challenges exist in harmonizing adat law with national legislation, particularly concerning land tenure conflicts and external pressures from logging and plantation interests. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of recognizing and incorporating adat law into forest governance frameworks in Indonesia. By integrating traditional knowledge and practices with national policies, a more effective and sustainable approach to forest conservation can be achieved. This requires collaboration between government agencies, adat communities, and civil society organizations to ensure that adat law is respected and supported within the broader legal framework.

The Role of Traditional Leaders in Local Governance: A Case Study of Jambi Province, Indonesia

H. M. Chotib — 2024-10-25

Indonesia's decentralized governance system provides space for the integration of traditional leadership into local administration. This study examines the role of traditional leaders in local governance within Jambi Province, Indonesia, investigating their interactions with the formal public administration system, influence on policy implementation, and contribution to community development. This qualitative study employed a case study approach focusing on three districts in Jambi Province with varying degrees of adherence to traditional customs. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with traditional leaders, government officials, and community members. Archival research, including local regulations and policy documents, supplemented the primary data. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns. Traditional leaders in Jambi continue to hold significant influence in local communities, particularly in rural areas. Their roles encompass conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and advocacy for community interests. While their authority is not formally recognized within the modern administrative structure, they play a crucial role in mediating between communities and the government. The study found varying degrees of collaboration and tension between traditional leaders and government officials, depending on factors such as the leaders' individual personalities, the prevailing cultural norms of the community, and the specific policy area in question. The findings highlight the complexities of integrating traditional leadership into modern governance systems. While traditional leaders can contribute valuable local knowledge and legitimacy, their involvement can also pose challenges to bureaucratic procedures and accountability mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and accommodating traditional authority while ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic principles.

The Influence of Minangkabau Indigenous Values on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Business Performance in Padang, Indonesia

Mukti Diapepin — 2024-11-12

This study investigates the relationship between Minangkabau indigenous values, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and business performance among entrepreneurs in Padang, Indonesia. Minangkabau culture, with its matrilineal system and emphasis on community and entrepreneurship, provides a unique context to explore how cultural values influence business practices. A quantitative survey was conducted with 300 entrepreneurs in Padang, measuring their adherence to Minangkabau values, EO dimensions (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking), and business performance (financial and non-financial). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that Minangkabau values significantly influence EO, with a strong positive relationship between these values and the dimensions of innovativeness and proactiveness. Furthermore, EO was found to be a significant predictor of both financial and non-financial business performance. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of cultural values in shaping entrepreneurial behavior and business success. The findings suggest that Minangkabau values foster an entrepreneurial spirit that drives business performance in Padang. This research contributes to the understanding of culture's role in entrepreneurship and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers in Indonesia and other culturally rich contexts.

Cultivating Cross-Cultural Competencies for Heritage Tourism Encounters in Jambi: An HRD Framework for Frontline Staff Development

Darmawanto — 2024-12-23

Heritage tourism is vital for Jambi's economy and cultural preservation, attracting increasingly diverse visitors. Effective cross-cultural encounters, mediated by frontline staff, are crucial for positive visitor experiences and sustainable tourism. However, staff often lack specific Cross-Cultural Competencies (CCC) needed for the unique Jambi heritage context, potentially leading to service failures. This study aimed to develop and validate a context-specific Human Resource Development (HRD) framework to cultivate CCC among frontline staff at Jambi heritage sites. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was employed. Phase 1 involved qualitative exploration (n=18 staff focus groups, n=6 manager interviews) at major Jambi heritage sites to identify required CCC dimensions. Phase 2 involved a quantitative survey (n=125 frontline staff) using a developed instrument (CCCI-HSJ) to assess baseline CCC levels. Phase 3 comprised developing the HRD framework based on findings, validating it via an expert panel (n=9), and pilot testing the framework through a training intervention (n=22 staff) with pre/post-assessment. Five core CCC dimensions specific to the Jambi heritage context were identified: Cultural Self-Awareness & Reflection, Jambi-Specific Cultural Knowledge & Sensitivity, Intercultural Communication Adaptability, Intercultural Relationship Building & Empathy, and Coping with Intercultural Ambiguity & Stress. Baseline assessment revealed moderate overall CCC levels, with specific weaknesses in communication adaptability and handling ambiguity. The developed HRD framework received strong validation from experts regarding relevance and comprehensiveness. The pilot training resulted in statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in participants' overall CCC scores. Frontline staff in Jambi's heritage tourism sector require targeted development of specific CCC dimensions. The validated HRD framework provides a structured, contextually relevant approach to enhance these competencies, contributing to improved service quality and more meaningful visitor experiences. Implementation of this framework is recommended for sustainable heritage tourism development in Jambi.