LOCAL WISDOM OF THE BAJO TRIBE AND ITS ACCULTURATION ON ISLAMIC SHARIA: A CASE IN TOMINI BAY–INDONESIA

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzed local wisdom of the Bajo Tribe and its acculturation on Islamic sharia. Furthermore, it analyzed the practice of pamali and mamiakadilao as local wisdom of the Bajo tribe, and whether the existence of Islamic sharia diminishes the practice of local wisdom, or precisely accompanies the local wisdom of the Bajo people. Methodology: A case study method has been used for the study. The selection of informants was by purposive sampling and snowball techniques. The data collection was through in-depth interviews and passive participation observation. The data analysis was done qualitatively. Main Findings: The Bajo had local wisdom in the form of pamali and mamiakadilao which were institutionalized in traditions and customs. Pamali is an ethic of the Bajo people in building relationships with their natural environment. While, mamiakadilao is a grouping of the Bajo when fishing, namely the palilibu, bapongka, and sakai groups. When the Bajo accepted Islamic sharia, it did not eliminate their original beliefs. These two belief systems live side by side. The Bajo accepted Islam as their religion, but at the same time still hold fast and practice their ancestral heritage. Implications: Understanding the local wisdom of the Bajo Tribe, as well as its acculturation on Islamic Sharia. Novelty: The acceptance of Islam as a new religion for the Bajo does not diminish existing local wisdom. Bajo people embrace Islam as a new religion, but they do not abandon ancestral traditions. The entry of Islamic sharia is to enrich the local wisdom of the Bajo tribe.