Mechanical Solidarity as precipitating factor in establishing Ethnic Churches in Bandung in the first half of the 20th Century

Abstract

The spirit to construct unity among the various ethnic groups in the early 20th century in Indonesia did not significantly influence the church. In the church under the zending in Bandung, West Java province, what happened was in fact the opposite. The church was unable to break down ethnic barriers among its members. Why? By using historical methods and analysis based on Durkheim's theory of solidarity, the following conclusions are drawn: Chinese and Javanese ethnic communities tend to have high levels of mechanical solidarity. This can happen because (1) the ethnic Chinese congregation in terms of numbers is huge. They come from a circle of family groups, so that they tend to form mechanical bonds of solidarity based on blood relations. (2) The social status of the Chinese ethnic group is in the second category below Europeans and above the local population, so that it creates a feeling of superiority compared to the indigenous congregation. The Javanese congregation, although in terms of numbers, is not too large, among them some people have enough influence (elite) so that the tendency to maintain their Javanese existence is quite strong. (3) Social polarization based on ethnic similarities eventually stimulates other communities to create their own/separate communities; and (4) External influences, namely the NZV policy that places the Chinese ethnic group above the local ethnic group and developments at the national or international level are also factors that trigger the formation of ethnic churches in Bandung.