Review Buku: Sistem Sosial Indonesia | Dr. Nasikun

Summary

In this video, the reviewer explores *Sistem Sosial Indonesia* by Dr. Nasikun, a book that offers an in-depth analysis of Indonesia’s complex social structure. The author discusses the horizontal and vertical divisions in Indonesian society, shaped by ethnicity, religion, class, and regional differences. The book also examines the historical context of Indonesia's pluralistic society, the evolution of political parties, and the challenges of national integration. With a focus on social conflicts and integration through shared values like Pancasila, the review highlights how Indonesia navigates its diverse landscape. This insightful work is a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of Indonesian society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book 'Sistem Sosial Indonesia' by Dr. Nasikun is a comprehensive guide on the complex social structure of Indonesia, making it highly recommended for social academics and organizations working on social issues.
• 😀 Indonesia’s society is described as 'majemuk' (plural), with two main characteristics: horizontal differences (based on ethnicity, religion, customs, and regionalism) and vertical differences (based on class, wealth, and political power).
• 😀 The concept of a plural society, introduced by Furnival, highlights Indonesia’s social structure during the Dutch colonial era, where multiple ethnic groups coexisted under the power of the colonizers, with minimal integration.
• 😀 The book explains how geographical factors, such as Indonesia’s position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, contributed to ethnic, religious, and regional pluralism.
• 😀 The different climates and agricultural practices across the islands have led to regional disparities, particularly between Java and the outer islands, influencing cultural and economic differences.
• 😀 Vertical social stratification in Indonesia has become more pronounced over time, especially with the growth of political and economic power, leading to significant inequalities between the upper and lower classes.
• 😀 Political parties in Indonesia, such as Masyumi, PNI, and PKI, emerged from various cultural and social backgrounds, with their ideologies reflecting the country's deep ethnic and religious divisions.
• 😀 The book discusses the importance of political and social integration in Indonesia, with national integration being crucial for maintaining unity despite the country's pluralistic nature.
• 😀 Donald Henley’s perspective is cited, where he argues that Indonesia’s party system is shaped by two major social divisions: religious and ideological (traditional vs. modern worldview).
• 😀 The tension between cultural and religious groups, including Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is highlighted as a key factor in political conflicts in post-independence Indonesia.
• 😀 Despite these divisions, Pancasila, Indonesia's national ideology, has played a crucial role in fostering unity and social cohesion, helping the country maintain its identity and stability through its pluralistic society.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Dr. Nasikun's book 'Sistem Sosial Indonesia'?

The main theme of the book is the complex and plural nature of Indonesian society, with a focus on its horizontal (ethnic, religious, and regional) and vertical (class) social structures. It also explores the challenges of integration and national unity in the face of these divisions.

What is meant by a 'plural society' as discussed in the book?

A 'plural society' refers to a society made up of multiple distinct social groups that coexist but remain relatively separate from each other, without significant integration or common goals, especially in the context of Indonesia's history under Dutch colonial rule.

How does Dr. Nasikun describe the horizontal and vertical social structures in Indonesia?

The horizontal structure refers to the divisions based on ethnicity, religion, culture, and region, while the vertical structure is characterized by sharp class divisions between the upper and lower classes. Both aspects contribute to the complexity and pluralism of Indonesian society.

What historical factors contributed to Indonesia's plural society?

Historical factors such as Indonesia's colonial history, geographical diversity, and its position as a crossroads for global trade have contributed to its plural society. These factors facilitated cultural exchanges, leading to a society with distinct ethnic and religious groups.

How does the book explain the role of geographical and ecological factors in creating pluralism in Indonesia?

Geographical factors, such as Indonesia's archipelagic nature and varying climates, contributed to regional differences in agriculture, population distribution, and social practices. These differences resulted in contrasting economic, social, and cultural environments between regions, particularly between Java and outer islands.

What does the book say about the role of political parties in Indonesian society?

The book discusses how political parties in Indonesia, such as Masyumi, PNI, and PKI, emerged from the country's diverse social and cultural groups. These parties reflected the ideological, religious, and regional divisions within the society, and their conflicts were often rooted in these divisions.

What is the significance of Pancasila in the context of national integration in Indonesia?

Pancasila, Indonesia's state ideology, is seen as a unifying force that promotes national integration by emphasizing shared values and common principles. Despite the country's social divisions, Pancasila has been a central factor in fostering national identity and resolving conflicts between different groups.

How does the book address the issue of social conflicts in Indonesia?

The book highlights that the social conflicts in Indonesia, particularly those based on ideological, political, and cultural differences, have been a consequence of the deep-rooted divisions within society. These conflicts often result from competition between social groups, but the development of national consensus on values like Pancasila has helped mitigate their severity.

What does Dr. Nasikun suggest is necessary for achieving integration in a plural society like Indonesia?

Dr. Nasikun suggests that achieving integration in a plural society requires consensus on fundamental values (e.g., Pancasila) and a shared understanding of the political structure and territorial boundaries. Without this consensus, social fragmentation and conflict are likely to persist.

How does the book characterize the political landscape of Indonesia in the post-independence period?

The book describes Indonesia's post-independence political landscape as one marked by competition and conflict between various political parties that reflected the country's social and cultural diversity. These parties, such as Masyumi, PNI, and PKI, often struggled for power, with conflicts rooted in differences over religion, social class, and political ideology.