Social Dynamics of Twelve Tribal Children Towards Community Integration in Tana' Luwu, Indonesia

Background: South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is home to four main ethnic groups—Toraja, Makassar, Bugis, and Mandar—with the Luwu ethnic group comprising twelve sub-tribes. While often associated with the Bugis, the Luwu people identify themselves as Luwuese and maintain their cultural distinctiveness through practices like consensus deliberation and gotong-royong, which foster unity and manage cultural tensions. Objective: The aim of this research is to explain the social dynamics of twelve tribal children and the process of social integration taking place between them. Method: The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing observations and in-depth interviews for data collection. It applied interpretive understanding to analyze the dynamics among twelve tribal children, integrating both macro-level and micro-level theories. The study focused on how social interaction serves as a means of implementing social values, enabling coexistence within social relationships. Results: The results showed that associative social relationships were established by strengthening solidarity among the twelve tribal children living in Tana Luwu. Although there are differences in culture, customs and religion that shape the social life of the community, the community is still able to build good social relationships through the process of cooperation, adaptation, assimilation and acculturation. Dissociative social relationships are managed by minimizing the possibility of conflict from the relationship process of competition and controversy. Conclusion: Integration within a society can stem from conflict or from respecting cultural values and enforcing traditional laws. In Luwu society, integration is achieved through a philosophical life attitude that unifies the community, while traditional customary law serves as social control, guiding the community towards a balanced social system.