CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION IN

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL

TECHNOLOGY

Introduction

In the era of globalization and the rapidly growing technological revolution, cultural

transformation and social interaction have become major concerns in various walks of life.

One group of people who are experiencing significant impacts from these changes are

indigenous peoples (Mutaqin & Iryana, 2018; Widowati, 2014). Indigenous peoples, who

have rich cultural roots and traditions, are now at a crossroads between their cultural heritage

and the influence of digital technology (Telaumbanua, 2019).

The introduction of digital technology, particularly in the form of smartphones, and

internet access has brought fundamental changes in the way communities interact,

communicate and access information. This transformation has the potential to alter the social

and cultural dynamics that have been passed down from generation to generation in

indigenous communities (Ode, 2015). However, the extent to which these changes have

affected traditional values, norms and cultural practices in indigenous communities is still an

aspect that needs to be explored (Suarsana, 2020).

The importance of exploring the impact of these social changes in indigenous

communities lies in the need for an in-depth understanding of how digital technology can

affect their cultural identity. In this context, in-depth studies of cultural transformation and

social interactions within indigenous communities are relevant and important (Wignjosasono,

2022; Zafi, 2018). This article will explain the impacts of these changes and describe how

indigenous peoples are adapting to digital technology, with the ultimate goal of maintaining a

balance between their cultural heritage and the demands of modern times.

Human civilization has now entered the digital era, which is inseparable from the

important role of technology. The beneficial impacts of change need to be maintained, but it

cannot be ignored that negative impacts have also emerged in this digital era. Therefore, new

challenges arise in human life in this digital era. These challenges extend to various fields,

including politics, economy, socio-culture, defense, security, and information technology

(Danuri, 2019; Latip, 2020).

The digital era has brought changes with the emergence of digital technology,

especially internet networks and interconnected computer information technology. Mass

media has also shifted to new media, namely the internet, due to a cultural shift in conveying

information (Wahid, 2015). The advantage of the digital era lies in the ability of this media to

provide information more quickly and easily accessible to the public. The way a person

behaves and acts in everyday life can reflect their personality and values.

The shift in moral values is certainly based on the provisions of religious law

(Widodo et al., 2022). In responding to technological developments, Islamic law has certain

limitations, as long as it does not violate the principles of religious law and is certainly useful

for all mankind, technological developments can be applied (Afdhal et al., 2023; Masjudin,

2020). The digital era is a form of globalization experienced by humans in the millennial era.

Changes due to human behavior as a result of digitalization in almost all human life systems

are accelerating and are a demand for achieving ease, satisfaction and well-being (Afrizal et

al., 2020; Zis et al., 2021).

In addition, changes in social and cultural interactions also have broader implications

for indigenous peoples' relationships with the surrounding environment and their

relationships with people outside indigenous communities. In some cases, digital

technologies can facilitate faster and wider information exchange between indigenous

peoples and the outside world, which in turn can influence political, economic and social

dynamics within those communities (Aristi & Janitra, 2019; Kartika & Edison, 2020).

However, along with the opportunities offered by digital technology, there are also challenges

and risks that indigenous peoples need to face. One of the risks is the shift in traditional

values due to exposure to popular culture that is often distributed through digital media.

Changes in social interaction patterns can also threaten social structures and hierarchies

within indigenous communities (Mutaqin & Iryana, 2018; Nurhayanto & Wildan, 2016).

Therefore, in-depth research into the cultural transformation and social interactions

within indigenous communities, especially the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua after the

introduction of digital technology, is essential. This can not only provide better insight into

the changes that are taking place, but can also help formulate appropriate strategies to

maintain and honor the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua while

still adapting to the changing times. Against this background, this research aims to explore

the impact of social change occurring within the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua due to

the influx of digital technology, with a focus on cultural transformation and changes in social

interactions. Through a deeper understanding of these changes, it is hoped that efforts to

preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua and the identity of

the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua can be carried out sustainably in this era of digital

technology.

Research Methods

This study applied a qualitative research approach with the phenomenological method

as an analytical framework to investigate the impact of cultural transformation and changes in

social interactions in the context of indigenous peoples due to the introduction of digital

technology (Creswell & Poth, 2016). The decision to use a qualitative approach was based on

its ability to explore the experiences of individuals and their perceptions in a broader context,

opening up deep insights into how the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua's adaptation to

digital technology occurred. In addition, research informants were selected through a

purposive sampling approach, taking into account their knowledge and experience of the

changes that have occurred in indigenous communities following the introduction of digital

technology. The number of participants will be determined based on the achievement of data

saturation, i.e. when no new information emerges from the in-depth interviews.

Data in this study will be collected through in-depth interviews, participatory

observation, and document analysis. In-depth interviews will be conducted with participants

to gain an in-depth understanding of their views on the cultural transformation and social

interactions taking place. Participatory observation will allow researchers to be directly

involved in the daily lives of the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua to observe changes in

social interactions in context. Document analysis will involve the study of historical records,

traditional writings, and other relevant materials. The collected data will be analyzed using a

phenomenological approach. The steps of analysis include open coding, thematic clustering,

and identification of emerging patterns in participants' narratives. The analysis will be

iterative to develop a deep understanding of cultural change and social interaction in the

context of digital technology.

To ensure validity and reliability, triangulation techniques will be used by comparing

results from interviews, observations and document analysis. In addition, informants will also

be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the results of the analysis. By using a

qualitative approach with a phenomenological method, this research is expected to provide

in-depth insights into cultural transformation and social interaction in indigenous

communities after the entry of digital technology.

Results And Discussion

History of Hatusua Country

Negeri Hatusua is a coastal area that is quite fertile for agricultural and plantation land

and has quite potential marine resources. the land is in the form of lowlands (coastal) and

highlands (coral hills). The lowlands are red soil with soil that can be overgrown with various

types of plants such as bananas, cassava trees and corn. Perennials such as coconut, avocado

and mango trees also thrive in Hatusua. As for the hilly areas, they are used as clove gardens

and nutmeg gardens, which are the main commodities and mainstay The livelihoods of the

people of Hatusua are mostly farming and gardening, some of them are traders in Piru City

and in Masohi city (the capital of Central Maluku Regency) or some are trading in Ambon

City. The climate in Hatusua is generally the same as the climate in other villages/countries,

which always experiences the dry season and the rainy season interspersed with the

transitional season. The dry season runs from January to June, while the rainy season usually

occurs from July to December. However, the seasonal changes that occur in Hatusua are not

always erratic.

The Land of Hatusua is a land that descended from Nunusaku, and experienced a long

journey to the land below the coast. The current country of Hatusua is the third country after

having traveled from the first country where the location or region is called The second,

Hatuurang, was located on the coast and had already sunk in 1819 in September. The sinking

of Negeri Hatusua at that time was the same as what happened during the earthquake in

Elpaputih, which killed many of the villagers. As for the location of the third country, this

place was chosen as the new country of Negeri Hatusua. Philosophically, Negeri Hatusua

means "the land of a collection of stones", this is because in the initial construction process of

the country, the 7 eyes of the house collected stones for the construction of houses and

countries. In Negeri Hatusua, there are also 7 original house eyes that inhabit this land. In

addition, there are also 4 Soa that exist, where the names of the soa are; Soa Niak, Soa

Amalene, Soa Uriattu, and Soa Leihalat. In the division of Soa, the seven eyes of the house

are divided into existing Soa-soa.

In addition, the seven clans in Hatusua have their respective roles that cannot be

replaced by one clan with another. The Titawano and Pelapori clans are the landlords in the

country, while the Leirissa clan is the Kapitan clan, for the Tetehuka clan has a role as the

king's servant in his house, the Tuhuteru clan is the clan of the eyes of the king's house or the

eyes of the parenta house, the Seipala clan is a clan that always regulates the customary rules

in the country, and the Metiari clan has the duty and role as guardian of the sea. In addition to

the clans listed above that live in Hatusua Country, there are also clans that live in Hatusua

and are not included in any soa group, namely the Tupasouw clan, the Tetehuta clan and the

Akolo clan. These clans are usually referred to as outsiders who in the traditional language

are termed mata ruma Mutapir Rusonoho. These clans can take part in adat meetings, but do

not have voting rights, and can also usually be assigned as marinyo and as hamlet heads.

Although Negeri Hatusua is an adat country, it has adopted a democratic system and is still

led by a Village Head. However, the Village Head who leads in Negeri Hatusua must also be

from the clan or mata rumah parenta, so that today even though the leader of Negeri Hatusua

is a Village Head, he must still be taken and elected from the mata rumah parenta in Negeri

Hatusua.

Transportation, Communication and Information Facilities in Hatusua Country

The role of the Transportation sector is one of the most important things in

development, because it is a support for the smooth development of other sectors. In Negeri

Hatusua, community activities certainly require means of transportation to support the

smooth running of community activities. Land transportation available in Negeri Hatusua for

the needs and needs of the community, ranging from 4 (four) wheeled vehicles, 2 (two)

wheeled vehicles, both of which are privately owned by community members, but also public

transportation which is usually used by the community. In addition to 4 (four) wheeled

vehicles and 2 (two) wheeled vehicles used by the community personally, to get to Kairatu

Sub-district and the capital of West Seram Regency in Piru. The community also uses 4

(four) wheeled public transportation which usually comes from the direction of Piru to go to

Waipirit or to the Kairatu District Center. However, because Negeri Hatusua is close to the

Waipirit area (ferry port), Waimital Village (gemba market), it is more common for people in

Negeri Hatusua to use public transportation such as ojek and bentor (motorized rickshaw).

Whenever people go to the Kairatu Subdistrict Center and gemba market, they often use ojek

(motorcycle taxis) for Rp. 10,000 and motorized rickshaws for Rp. 20,000 to arrive at the

intended destination.

The means of communication and information in Negeri Hatusua are developing in

accordance with current developments. Communication support facilities available in Negeri

Hatusua today, where each community has their own HanPhone and also android

(smartphone) which is a smart phone. With the availability of a telecommunications tower

that already exists in Negeri Hatusua, it adds to the better communication access network, so

that people can make good use of telephone and internet networks. In addition to the internet

network that is already available through the tower, there are also Wifi installations in several

places in Negeri Hatusua, namely in schools and the State Office, which makes the

availability of access to information even better for the community in Negeri Hatusua.

Adoption and Adaptation of Digital Technology in the Land of Hatusua

The introduction of mobile phones and the internet to Negeri Hatusua illustrates the

journey of technology that has changed the social and cultural landscape of this community.

In the early 2000s, mobile phones were introduced to Negeri Hatusua. Although initially only

used by a small proportion of the community, acceptance of this technology slowly began to

grow. Mobile phones provided easier and faster access to communication, connecting people

within and outside of Hatusua Country.

Then, in the 2010s, the internet began to enter Hatusua Country, bringing about

greater changes in communication patterns and social interactions. While the internet was

initially limited and used by a small number of individuals, its impact slowly began to be felt

in various aspects of people's lives. In 2020, with the advent of the pandemic COVID-19,

dependence on the internet is increasing. Social distancing policies and working from home

have made the internet the main means of communication, learning and working.

This trend is seen in all walks of life in Hatusua State, from children to adults.

Children use the internet for distance learning and accessing online educational materials,

while teenagers and adults may rely more on the internet for work, accessing information,

and communicating with friends and family. This reliance reflects a drastic change in the way

the people of Negeri Hatusua interact with the outside world.

However, along with the benefits, dependence on the internet also brings challenges.

People are slowly starting to feel the impact of shifting patterns of social interaction. Face-to-

face meetings that were once the norm are now being replaced by communication through

screens. Traditional values that may have once been maintained through in-person

interactions are starting to undergo changes due to more indirect digital communication.

In addition to changes in social interaction and communication through mobile

phones and the internet, the indigenous people of Negeri Hatusua have also shown adaptation

to social media. Over time, indigenous peoples have opened up and started accessing various

social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. This

is an important step towards wider digital integration, allowing them to connect with people

outside the indigenous community and share their stories and experiences.

Social media provides a platform for indigenous peoples to expand their social

networks, interact with distant friends and family, and access information from various

sources. It also reflects changes in communication preferences, where messages that were

once delivered in person can now be exchanged through text messages, images and videos on

social media platforms.

It is important to note that not only ordinary citizens are adopting social media, but

also indigenous community leaders. In fact, the leader of the land (Raja) also uses social

media as a means to communicate with his people. Using platforms such as WhatsApp and

Facebook, leaders can inform decisions, share news, and facilitate discussions and

consultations with community members.

However, while the adoption of social media brings great benefits, it also presents

new challenges and considerations for indigenous peoples. They must navigate the dynamics

of the digital world, including concerns about privacy, management of personal information

and the socio-cultural impact of online interactions. Therefore, this change also demands a

balanced approach between opening up to digital technologies and maintaining their values

and cultural identity. Overall, the adoption of social media by the indigenous people of

Negeri Hatusua demonstrates a dynamic adaptation to digital technology. This is an

important step in understanding how traditional communities integrate technological change

with their cultural heritage, maintaining a balance between the two between the two aspects.

Evolution of Relationship Patterns: Family and Community Before and after the

Advent of Digital Technology

Before the introduction of smartphones and the internet, the relationship patterns in the

Negeri Hatusua community were based on the principles of direct communication and face-

to-face interaction. This community highly prioritized face-to-face meetings, deliberations in

Baileo (traditional house), and maintaining good manners in speech and behavior. Within the

family, the same principles where parents give advice and direction to their children directly

without using communication tools as intermediaries.

In the context of the people of Negeri Hatusua, face-to-face meetings have deep

meaning. Direct communication allows facial expressions, body language and voice

intonation to convey messages that are richer in emotional nuances. This helps to build

closeness and better understanding between individuals in the community. Face-to-face

meetings also support the culture of deliberation in Baileo, where important decisions are

made through direct dialog and discussion.

One important aspect of this relationship pattern is maintaining good manners in

speaking and behaving. The people of Negeri Hatusua value customary values and ethics in

communication. The language used is chosen carefully to respect the interlocutor and

maintain harmonious relationships between community members. This courtesy is also

reflected in the "tampa makang" culture, where families gather to eat together at the dining

table. When eating together, parents not only provide physical food but also give good advice

to their children, share cultural values, and teach the norms that apply in society.

However, with the introduction of smartphones and the internet, this relationship

pattern has changed. While these technologies make it easier to communicate remotely, they

can reduce the frequency of meaningful face-to-face encounters. Interactions through text

messages, video calls and social media platforms cannot fully replace the emotional nuances

of in-person communication. In addition, easy access to outside information can also affect

traditional perspectives and values in society.

Nonetheless, the people of Negeri Hatusua still have the opportunity to integrate this

technology wisely. They can maintain the values of direct communication and deliberation

while combining them with the benefits of technology to communicate with individuals

outside the area or maintain long-distance relationships. Within the family, while

smartphones and the internet can provide access to new information and learning resources, it

is important to retain the culture of "tampa makang" and traditional values of giving advice

and teaching norms to the younger generation.

The values and norms of helping each other are values and norms that have become a

habit in the life of the people in Negeri Hatusua. Norms These values are held and practiced

by the community at all times in all their activities. This shows that the high value of kinship

is held by the community in Negeri Hatusua, so that mutual respect between one another is an

ancestral value and norm that continues to be held by the community to this day. In the daily

social life of the community in Negeri Hatusua, the habit of sitting and talking together when

there is free time is something that is always done by the community every time. Community

encounters in conducting social interactions with one another, not only when there is free

time, but also when children play together, young people sit together and even when they

finish praying and go home together, they usually communicate and interact socially at all

times.

The social reality that occurs in the people of Negeri Hatusua shows a strong habit of

interacting and communicating directly between individuals, both in leisure time and in

moments of rest from the daily grind. This phenomenon reflects the level of intensity of close

social relations between community members. This condition reflects the existence of strong

social communication and interaction, which is often done directly or face-to-face.

Apart from the community scale, the principles of communication and direct

interaction are also reflected in the dynamics of family life in Negeri Hatusua. Each family

has a unique approach and method of interacting with its family members. One common

practice adopted by families in Negeri Hatusua is through binakel worship, a moment that

often allows for communication and interaction between family members. During binakel

worship, interactions between family members become more apparent, especially in the

context of how parents give advice and guidance to their children in living their daily lives.

The opinion of Rachel Metiary, a temporary teacher in the community, illustrates the

highly personalized form of communication that exists within the home. Every day, meetings

and conversations between family members take place within the home. Although often

limited to questions about daily life or news, the essence of these interactions is valuable.

This communication model allows for the direct transmission of information, advice and life

values from the older generation to the younger generation.

The rapid development in the field of technology and information is no exception

affecting Negeri Hatusua, where almost all levels of society have felt the impact by using

smartphones connected to the internet network. In this case, the pattern of communication

and social interaction in society has changed due to the presence of social media. These social

media have become an important tool to get information and communicate more quickly.

Smartphones and social media platforms are now a common means for people to access

news, contact relatives, and establish social interactions.

Although technology and information have penetrated Negeri Hatusua, the patterns of

social relations that have been formed in the community still maintain their distinctive

characteristics. The people of Negeri Hatusua still prioritize the habit of interacting directly

as an integral part of their cultural norms and values. This habit was formed due to the

understanding that building closeness and togetherness requires face-to-face meetings.

Although social interaction sometimes also uses social media on smartphones, direct

communication is still maintained as an important element in establishing deeper and more

meaningful social relationships.

In other words, although technology and information have changed the way of

communication and social interaction in the people of Negeri Hatusua, the principles of

cultural values that prioritize face-to-face encounters remain paramount. Technology, such as

smartphones and social media, acts as an additional tool that helps in expanding access to

information and facilitating long-distance contact. However, it is important to remember that

meaningful social relationships still depend on close face-to-face interactions, which have

characterized this society for many years.

The social interaction that is still dominant in the form of face-to-face meetings in the

community of Negeri Hatusua has a significant relationship with technological developments

such as smartphones and internet networks. Despite the accessibility of these advanced

communication tools, the community still prioritizes face-to-face communication as the

foundation for building and maintaining social relationships.

Despite having entered the era of modern technology, social interaction in Negeri

Hatusua still relies heavily on face-to-face meetings. However, changes in communication

patterns occur in the form of the intensity and context of communication. Although a lot of

information can be exchanged through smartphones quickly, the intensity of face-to-face

meetings has begun to decline as some communication is prioritized through short messages

or social media.

In this social reality, although the use of smartphones has provided an alternative way

to communicate, it does not replace the essence of face-to-face social interaction.

Smartphones and the internet are considered as tools that can make it easier to access

information and communicate, especially in matters that require quick responses. However,

the importance of face-to-face meetings cannot be ignored.

In this context, the use of smartphones and modern technology does not eliminate the

cultural values and customs of the people of Negeri Hatusua. The use of smartphones is more

about enriching ways of communicating, but the principles of social interaction that have

been deeply embedded in the community's culture are still maintained. People still prefer to

communicate in person when important issues need to be discussed or when deeper social

relationships are to be maintained. Thus, the development of technology and modern

communication patterns still go hand in hand with the sustainability of cultural values that

prioritize face-to-face meetings and direct interactions in building deeper and more

meaningful social relationships.

The shift in patterns of social interaction and communication in the people of Negeri

Hatusua, as outlined earlier, appears to be influenced by the use of smartphones and social

media. There is a shift from direct communication towards communication through online

platforms, such as social media. Nevertheless, this shift has not radically changed the patterns

of communication and social interaction in the community, particularly within families.

In reality, the presence of smartphones and internet access has enabled some

community members to use social media as a fast and efficient communication tool.

However, face-to-face social interaction is still maintained as it is considered important and

beneficial. Although there are family members who can be distracted by their smartphones,

family gatherings and interactions at the dinner table as well as advice given by parents are

still traditions that are maintained. The impact of technology, although not significantly felt,

has begun to penetrate people's social behavior, including within the family. There is a slow

erosion of social relationships that can be caused by attention focused on smartphones.

However, the values and norms that exist in community life, especially in families, are still

generally maintained. In this case, maintaining face-to-face meetings and communication

between family members remains an important focus. The tradition of sitting together at the

dinner table, talking, and giving advice is still respected and practiced. Despite the touch of

technology, such as smartphones, this tradition of meeting is still maintained as a way to

preserve the values and norms that have been embedded in the culture of the people of Negeri

Hatusua.

The Impact of Smartphones and the Internet in the Land of Hatusua

The development of Information Technology, allows everyone to connect with

anyone and anywhere at any time with close or long distances. Apart from the development

of technology and information that allows people to communicate and interact quickly

through cyberspace, but also various information that can and can be known by individuals or

communities quickly (Afdhal et al., 2022). From the various realities that arise in society with

the development of technology and information that is developing today, it provides a

positive value where a person can find out various things including information from

anywhere in the world also in one hand in his hand, namely through a smartphone connected

to an extensive internet network. But not only positive values are obtained when the

development of technology and information that is developing at this time. However, on the

one hand, there are also negative values that arise due to the development of technology and

information today (Zahra et al., 2022).

The use of smartphones with internet access in the indigenous community of Negeri

Hatusua presents a number of influences, both positive and negative. The positive aspects of

this use are mainly seen in the speed of access to information. The indigenous people of

Negeri Hatusua can quickly obtain the various information they need. Internet availability

enabling access to knowledge, breaking news and practical information within seconds,

enriching their knowledge and understanding.

However, it cannot be ignored that there are negative impacts of smartphone and

internet use. In particular, young people in Hatusua Country often feel the urge to overuse

smartphones, experience lapses in concentration, and neglect routines that should be part of

their lives. Uncontrolled use can lead to social isolation and a reduction in in-person

interactions with family and friends.

Another negative lies in the aspect of inappropriate behavior. The people of Negeri

Hatusua, as elsewhere, face the risk of accessing negative content such as pornography.

Irresponsible use or accessing things outside of existing values and norms can damage the

morals and ethics of individuals, especially men. In the face of these technological

developments, it is imperative to have social filters that are capable of filtering out

inappropriate or harmful content and usage. This filter will help direct the use of smartphones

and the internet to things that are more useful and in accordance with the cultural values and

norms that exist in society. Hatusua Country, like other communities, is also contemplating

how to develop complex strategies to deal with the impact of technology, with many different

ideas and approaches.

Conclusion

The advancement of technology and information has had a significant impact on the

values and social norms of the people of Negeri Hatusua. Despite shifts in some aspects of

communication and interaction, the community needs social resilience based on local cultural

wisdom. This must start from the family, a place where values and norms must be instilled as

a filter to deal with the increasingly massive flow of digitalization. Shifting values can be

observed in families, such as spirituality and modesty, which are affected by the presence of

smartphones. Children tend not to focus on worship and are more interested in smartphones.

Norms are also shifting, such as norms of decency and politeness in family meals and

conversations. The presence of smartphones undermines more traditional social interactions.

In addition, technological developments have formed new social groupings in cyberspace,

changing social structures without physical boundaries. However, the phenomenon of

phubbing, where people ignore their surroundings to focus on their smartphones, has

undermined the prevailing social order and customs.

There has been a shift in values and norms, especially among young people, who are

more likely to prioritize the use of smartphones and social media over traditional values. This

focus on smartphones and social media has changed the way we interact and shifted attention

away from more important matters. Overall, while technology brings great benefits, the

people of Negeri Hatusua must stick to their values existing cultural and social norms. This is

a complex challenge, and steps need to be taken to maintain a balance between technological

development and the preservation of cultural identity and fundamental social norms.