Indonesia's Diverse Society

• The images show examples of Indonesia's diversity.
• The images shows members of Hindu and Islamic faiths are practicing their religion.
• Religions recognized in Indonesia are Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, and Confucian.
• Diversity needs respect and appreciation within Indonesian society.
• Diversity can cause conflicts that can create division in society.
• This chapter explores diversity, potential conflicts and the solution to resolve them.

Potential and Causes of Conflict Amidst Indonesia's Diverse Society

• Diversity exists across society in regards to socio-cultural background, economy and gender.

Socio-Cultural Diversity in Society

• Indonesian society consists of many groups, tribes, ethnic groups, races, religions, and cultures
• Indonesians interact directly and indirectly with international communities.
• This interconnected society is multicultural.
• Multicultural society brings together different social groups with different norms and cultures.
• In multicultural societies cultural, social and tribal differences are celebrated.
• Harmony in socio-cultural diversity requires effort from all citizens.
• Disharmony can be overcome through the efforts of all Indonesian citizens.

Economic Diversity of Society

• Indonesia has a population of 275.3 million people as of 2022.
• The population spreads across Indonesian islands.
• Geographic and environmental conditions across Indonesia vary.
• Those in rural regions typically engage in farming activities on their own or others' land.
• They usually sell products locally and in the city to meet economic needs.
• Urban population centers are more complex.
• Urban people tend to find jobs based on skill and education.
• The income of those in urban areas is often higher than those in rural communities.
• The economic exchange between urban and rural areas can be complementary.
• Rural communities sell their products in cities
• Cities supply tools and technology to rural communities such as tractors and fertilizers.

Cultural Diversity Related To Gender in Society

• Indonesian society includes the diversity of gender.
• Gender refers to the attributes related to a person's sex that relates to their roles in society.
• The WHO states that gender is the constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes assigned to men and women in society.
• Gender establishes roles and responsibilities of men/women according to societal norms, customs, beliefs, or traditions.
• In some cases gender affects an individuals opportunity and advancement.
• The word gender is derived from the English term "gender" with French and Latin roots referring to 'birth', 'family', or 'nation'.
• Gender is defined as the social and cultural construction of being men or women.
• Unlike biology, gender identity is not defined that way.
• Gender is a social and cultural construct that varies across time and place.
• Gender roles are formed through extended periods and through religious, cultural, and political factors.
• Gender roles are frequently mistaken as "Divine decree" or "biological" and cannot be changed.
• Males have an elevated position in the social culture in Indonesia.
• This assumption inhibits thinking and activities of women.
• Recognizing gender equality is a first step in guaranteeing equal dignity.
• Injustice based on gender is not set by nature but is rather a social framework developed by society.
• The difference between gender differences and gender inequalities is narrow in the structure of social injustice.
• Gender difference is not an issue except when it creates inequality.
• Gender injustice can manifest in different forms such as the following.
• Marginalization is the exclusion of one gender to poverty and assuming that women only look for a supplementary income.
• Subordination is the low evaluation of a particular gender and women being put at a low level.
• Traditional gender roles that place the responsibility of domestic or reproductive issues on women. Stereotypes result in an unequal relationship in power for the purpose of dominating.
• Women being emotional while men are strong are examples of gender stereotypes.
• Violence is a physical/non-physical act committed by one gender or family toward the other.
• Stereotypes view males as brave while considering women soft which can lead to violence due to how women are percieved.
• Double burden is when one gender carries more work than the opposite gender.
• Women have static roles but can work outside household duties which can lead to multiple burdens.

Conflict in Diverse Society

• In KBBI, conflict is defined as dispute/controversy but it refers to more than two conflicting parties.

Factors Causing Conflict

• Soerjono Soekanto says diversity of individuals, culture, interest, and social change can cause conflict.
• People have different feelings which is a source of dispute.
• Individuality can cause conflict at group studies if members oppose one another.
• Culture contributes to individual personality and opinions.
• This shapes a person’s preferences which can bring about disagreements.
• Societal changes to values, norms and behavior can cause conflict.
• Generational difference can lead to disagreements.

Attitudes That Can Cause Conflict

• Certain viewpoints may be causes of conflict.
• Primordialism is holding on to principles that are held from the beginning.
• This is when one sees their own tribe/race/religion as better than others.
• Ethnocentrism is a view when one holds that their own culture is superior to others.
• Discrimination leads to treating other people by their color and religion.
• Stereotyping can trigger someone from one way of thinking, the attitude is based on prejudice.
• Fanaticism regards that a fact is an absolute truth.
• Exclusivism results from an inclination to separate from interactions.