Tamilouw Community Solidarity in Maintaining a Harmonious Social Life, Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia, as a country characterized by rich cultural, religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, faces ongoing challenges in maintaining social solidarity. This study examines the mechanisms of solidarity in sustaining social harmony, particularly within traditional communities. In relatively homogeneous societies, solidarity is typically shaped by shared values, norms, and occupational similarities among individuals. This research was conducted in Negeri Tamilouw Besar and Tamilouw Kecil (Yalohatan), located in Amahai District, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. The study aims to explore how social harmony is constructed and maintained within a community marked by ethnic and religious diversity. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and snowball sampling, and analysed using an interactive analysis model. The findings reveal that social solidarity in the Tamilouw community is closely associated with the collective meaning of community life, the coexistence of indigenous and migrant populations, shared social experiences, and patterns of interaction across religious groups. Moreover, the community demonstrates strong and sustained values of social harmony, reflecting an adaptive and inclusive social structure.