Journal of Social Political Sciences

CULTURAL VALUES REPRESENTED IN THE METATAH (TOOTH FILING) RITUAL: AN ETHNOPHOTOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE

Raden Daniel Wisnu Wardana, Dwi Kartikawati, Yuri Alfrin Aladdin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:16:14 +0700

The Metatah ceremony, also known as tooth cutting, is a significant event in Balinese society, imbued with intellectual and spiritual significance. This study seeks to elucidate the portrayal of cultural values in the Metatah ceremonial utilizing an ethnophotographic methodology. This study use qualitative methodologies and visual ethnographic analysis to examine the manifestation of cultural meanings within the visual components of the Metatah ceremonial. This study demonstrates that ethnophotography effectively depicts the sacred and transformational aspects of the Metatah ceremony, while also functioning as a viable medium for cultural preservation. This collection of images of the traditional ceremonial illustrates several narratives within Balinese culture, characterized by simplicity yet rich in both explicit and implicit connotations. These discoveries significantly enhance the field of visual anthropology, particularly in relation to coming-of-age rites in Bali

A SPECIAL AUTONOMY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PAPUA AND ACEH CONFLICT IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF SPECIAL AUTONOMY

Rahmat Sufajar, Siti Sadiyatunnimah, Muqaddim, Cleorissa Cheguevara — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:50:55 +0700

The Indonesian government created the Special Autonomy Policy in 2001 to prevent conflict and accelerate development in regions with distinct historical, social, and political characteristics. However, after more than two decades of implementation, the establishment of Special Autonomy in Aceh and Papua has produced mixed results, particularly in terms of political stability, governance, and national integration. This study begins with the topic of why Special Autonomy has strengthened national integration in Aceh but not in Papua? The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Special Autonomy in promoting national integration and to determine the factors that influence the policy's success or failure based on the local environment of each region. The research technique employs a comparative qualitative approach that includes policy document analysis, literature reviews, and the tracking of empirical data from development reports and political dynamics in Aceh and Papua. The study's findings indicate that the existence of the Helsinki peace accord, political representation channels through local parties, and a somewhat more restricted level of responsibility for Special Autonomy monies all contribute to the Aceh Special Autonomy's success. However, in Papua, there are still development inequities, a lack of avenues for political representation of indigenous peoples, and low trust in the state, resulting in a suboptimal national integration process. This study is unique in that it evaluates Special Autonomy as a tool for reconciliation and trust-building, as well as economic policy and political decentralisation

PATRIARCHAL CULTURE AND THE CHALLENGES OF WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN BALI: A SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF BALI LEGISLATIVE ELECTION

Siti Sadiyatunnimah, Maria Bellen Purba — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:23:26 +0700

This study examines the impact of patriarchal culture on the low political representation of women in legislative election in Bali. The deeply rooted patriarchal system in Bali contributes to the structural subordination of women in social, economic, and political spheres. Drawing on patriarchal theory and political capital theory, this study conceptualizes women’s marginal political position as the result of gendered power relations that restrict access to social networks, economic resources, and institutional support necessary for electoral competition. Although Hindu philosophy emphasize balance and gender equality, cultural interpretations and daily social practices often position women in subordinate roles. This research employs a qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews and literature review, to explore the issue comprehensively. Informants include politicians, academics, religious and traditional leaders, women’s rights activists, and local community members. The findings reveal that patriarchal culture significantly shapes women’s limited access and opportunities. Socially, domestic responsibilities and ritual obligations impose a heavy burden on Balinese women, restricting their ability to participate in public activities and political organizations. Economically, women shoulder multiple responsibilities, reducing their capacity to develop political capital. Politically, gender stereotypes, limited networks, high political costs, and the perception of politics as masculine domain significantly hinder women’s participation. Although the 30 percent quota requirement for female candidacy is formally fulfilled, it does not translate into substantive representation. This study contributes theoretically by identifying context-specific gendered political barriers in Bali and offers practical recommendations to strengthen women’s representation in local politics

COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: CSR BENIH BAIK AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF GARUDA INDONESIA’S GREEN AIRLINE IMAGE

Dela Anjelawati, Dinda Amaris — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:48:41 +0700

The intensification of global environmental crises has compelled the aviation sector to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) not merely as a philanthropic obligation but as a vital strategic communication tool for reputation management. This study critically analyzes the "Benih Baik" initiative by Garuda Indonesia to understand how environmental CSR is mobilized to construct a "Green Airline" image. Integrating perspectives from Media Ecology, Stakeholder Engagement, and Greenwashing theories, the research explores the tension between symbolic communication and substantive impact. The study employs a qualitative single-case methodology, utilizing data triangulation from in-depth interviews with corporate communication practitioners, extensive documentation review, and digital media observations during the 2024–2025 period. The analysis reveals that Garuda Indonesia executes a systematic communication strategy characterized by "identity construction" positioning the airline as a guardian of national nature—and "visual persuasion," where digital content of mangrove planting serves as primary evidence of responsibility. Additionally, participatory messaging is used to foster a sense of collective ownership among stakeholders. However, a critical gap emerges: while the campaign succeeds in generating high visibility and emotional resonance, it notably lacks the disclosure of measurable ecological data, such as tree survival rates or quantified carbon offsets. This absence of verifiable outcomes suggests a reliance on "symbolic legitimacy," leaving the airline vulnerable to potential greenwashing critiques. The study concludes that sustainable reputation building in aviation requires a paradigm shift from performing visibility to proving ecological accountability, offering strategic insights for airlines operating in developing economies