Latest Articles
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the role of the Sebyar Tribal Chief in preserving local wisdom in Tomu Village, Tomu District, Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua Province, as well as to identify and analyze the supporting and inhibiting factors for the Sebyar Tribal Chief in carrying out his role in Tomu Village, Tomu District, Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua Province. The type of research used is qualitative. The focus of this research is the role of the tribal chief in local wisdom, viewed from the following aspects: as a policy maker, as a strategist, as a communication tool, as a dispute resolver, as a therapist, and the supporting and inhibiting factors for the Sebyar tribal chief in carrying out his role in Tomu Village, Tomu District, Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua Province, viewed from internal and external factors. The number of informants in this study was 10 people. Data collection techniques were conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques included data collection, data condensation, and data validity. The study results indicate that internally, leadership strength, support from the indigenous community, and collective awareness are the main supporting factors. At the same time, infrastructure limitations, generational differences, and a lack of administrative and communication training are the main obstacles. From an external perspective, support from the local government and NGOs and global awareness of indigenous peoples' rights encourage the role of the tribal chief. However, inconsistent policies, lack of response from companies, and stigma against indigenous peoples pose challenges. Overall, these findings indicate that the success of implementing the role of the Sebyar Tribal Chief depends heavily on the synergy between the internal strengths of the indigenous community and consistent external support, as stipulated in the Teluk Bintuni Regency Regulation No. 1 of 2019.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study is situated within a constructivist sociology of territorial belonging. Drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted in Semien, it examines the dynamics of land differentiation experienced by allochthones amid demographic pressure and the reactivation of lineage-based norms. The findings reveal a socio-territorial hierarchy enacted through customary legitimisation mechanisms, resulting in a conflictual territorialisation of usage rights. The analysis highlights the interplay between social memory, autochthony capital, and the power of land allocation.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Intelligence in mobilizing community leaders to achieve national resilience in Military Resort Command (Korem) 083/Malang region and to identify the obstacles encountered in its implementation. TNI Intelligence plays a strategic role in supporting the empowerment of defense areas through early threat detection and strengthening synergies with the community and relevant agencies. However, in practice, various obstacles exist, such as limited human resources, suboptimal inter-agency coordination, and a top-down mobilization approach, which reduces the effectiveness of relationships with community leaders. This study employed empirical methods with qualitative and quantitative approaches, involving primary data collection through interviews, observations, and questionnaires with intelligence officers and community leaders in the Korem 083/Malang region. Data analysis was conducted to uncover the actual role of TNI Intelligence and the obstacles encountered in mobilizing community leaders as part of efforts to maintain national sovereignty and resilience. The results of this study are expected to provide recommendations for improving the professionalism of intelligence officers in building more effective partnerships with the community to strengthen national resilience at the regional level.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study investigates the effects of the pursuit of sporting excellence on the health of Ivorian athletes, examining the tensions between the imperative of overperformance and prevailing institutional logics. Its objective is to elucidate how sociocultural and institutional pressures shape the physical and mental well-being of these sportsmen and women. A triangulated methodology combines semi-structured interviews with elite athletes, participant observations during competitions, and documentary analysis of national sports policies. The findings reveal that athletes are subjected to intense pressure to achieve exceptional performances, often to the detriment of their physical and mental health. Such pressure is exacerbated by national expectations, financial stakes, and the paucity of adequate psychological support. The discussion underscores the need for a holistic approach incorporating mental health support schemes and institutional policies that prioritise athletes’ well-being. The study concludes that a critical reassessment of the sporting structures in Côte d’Ivoire is essential to promote a more balanced relationship between performance and athletes’ health.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Christian marriage and values are pegged on the radical teaching of Jesus Christ in marriage. His comments on marriage in the New Testament, which are primarily tangential in nature which include pictures, analogies, and fragments, also show this radicalism. The purpose of the study to was evaluate the Church Doctrines and Their Implication to the stability of Christian marriage among the SDA Church members in Keroka Station, Kenya. The study was conducted at Keroka Station of Nyamira West Field of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The target population is 17,997 members of SDA Church in Keroka station. The study employed purposive and random sampling. The sample size was 17 church elders, 364 Senior church members and youths and 4 pastors totaling 385 respondents which was spread out equally in the four Districts. The data collection tools used were questionnaires and interview schedule of group focus. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 23) to describe the findings of the study. The findings were reported through tables, charts and verbatim. The study found that the SDA church teachings centered on monogamy, faithfulness, mutual respect, forgiveness, and spiritual unity are highly regarded by members of the church. Most respondents agreed that these teachings are biblically grounded and form the foundation for strong Christian marriages. The researcher recommends for future scholars to conduct studies to explore how Christian marriage values are perceived and practiced across different denominations to identify unique or shared challenges and strategies for marriage stability, an investigation on the attitudes and expectations of youth regarding Christian marriage to tailor church teachings to younger generations and examination of the impact of gender expectations within SDA marriage doctrines on marital satisfaction and stability.
ABSTRACT
This research explores the traditional use of beads in Benin culture, Midwest Nigeria, examining craftsmanship, symbolic meanings, and social significance. It investigates the various materials used for adornment, features and significance of beaded adornments, stages of beaded adornment, and major forms. The study also unveils the values placed on bead use in Benin culture and discusses the sustainability of beaded culture amidst cultural diffusion and dynamism.
ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of modernism on peace mechanisms in Cameroon, exploring how modernisation processes have shaped the country’s peace landscape. Using a historical research approach with the consortium of primary and secondary sources, including archival documents, oral histories, and scholarly literature, the study analyses the evolution of peace mechanisms in Cameroon from the pre-colonial period to the present day. The research reveals that modernism has had a profound impact on traditional peacebuilding mechanisms, often undermining their effectiveness and creating new conflicts. The study also highlights the challenges and limitations of modern peacebuilding mechanisms in Cameroon, including the failure to address underlying causes of conflict and the neglect of traditional peacebuilding practices. This chapter thus concludes by recommending a balanced approach to peacebuilding in Cameroon, one that combines the strengths of traditional and modern peacebuilding mechanisms.