Beyond Cultural Persistence: Decolonizing Identity Through Local-Global Encounters in An Island Society of Eastern Indonesia
Abstract
This study challenges the dominant “cultural persistence” paradigm in Global South sociology, which often portrays local communities as passive custodians of tradition under globalization. Focusing on the Patasiwa Putih community in Amahai, Eastern Indonesia, it examines how local identity is actively decolonized through dynamic local–global encounters. The study explores (1) the construction of identity through indigenous structures and symbols (2) its transformation under globalization, modernization, and digital technology, and (3) the strategies through which local actors negotiate and reconstruct identity. Employing a qualitative case study, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving customary leaders, community members, and youth. The analysis follows an interactive model supported by triangulation and member checking. Findings reveal that identity is not eroded but reflexively transformed through reinterpretation of cultural symbols, ritual revitalization, and selective adaptation to global influences. While rooted in customary institutions, identity expands through digital mediation and generational shifts, producing a dynamic interplay between continuity and change. This study advances a decolonial perspective by reframing identity as an active and emancipatory process and highlights island societies as critical sites of knowledge production in the Global South.
Downloads
References
Adam, A. (2025). The role of cultural identity in sustaining village-level conflict: Lessons from Pombewe, Indonesia. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(2), 1027–1033. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i2.4643
Alam, S., Sadono, S., Suprayogi, B. M., Wahyuni, M. J. R. B., & Dhiu, C. A. P. (2026). Local culture-based visual communication strategies: a semiotic analysis of the Kuku Bima advertisement “Jelajahi Surga Tersembunyi di NTT Bersama Kuku Bima, Energi Indonesia!” Frontiers in Communication, 11(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2026.1741983
Alauddin, M. B., Fitri, D., & Apri Wenando, F. (2025). Tradition to Technology: The Transformation of Indonesian Culture in the Social Media Era. Asian Journal of Media and Culture, 1(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.63919/ajmc.v1i1.16
Amin, S. (2020). The Dynamic Relations Between Cultural Identity and Nationhood: The Case of Acehnese Acceptance of and Resistance to Indonesia’s State up to Indonesia’s Old Order. Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 1st Hasanuddin International Conference on Social and Political Sciences, HICOSPOS 2019, 21-22 October 2019, Makassar, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.21-10-2019.2291542
Auliaamafaza, A. I., Wahyuni, I. S., Erlangga, E. A., & Amirudin, A. (2022). Ethnography of Thruthuk as Identity of Cultural Arts in Semarang City – Indonesia. Espergesia, 9(1), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.18050/rev.espergesia.v9i2.2058
Barunaningtyas, S. N. A., & Azizah, N. (2025). The role of consulate general in Davao City in strengthening Indonesia identity among the diaspora in Mindanao: An analysis of cultural diplomacy practices. Jurnal Inovasi Ilmu Sosial Dan Politik (JISoP), 7(1), 54–66. https://doi.org/10.33474/jisop.v7i1.23405
Cahyani, E. D., Susilo, S., & Abdulwahab, B. (2025). Thirdspace Perspectives on Student Marriage: Intersection of Culture, Space, and Identity in Bojonegoro, Indonesia. Future Space: Studies in Geo-Education, 2(3), 348–365. https://doi.org/10.69877/fssge.v2i3.86
Candra, F. R., & Saptatiningsih, R. I. (2023). National Identity Strengthening Model Through Multicultural-Based Batik Development. IJEDR: Indonesian Journal of Education and Development Research, 1(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.57235/ijedr.v1i1.1093
Desma, S. (2024). Transformation Of Batik As A Symbol Of Nationalism And National Identity. Kamara Journal, 1(3), 24–35. https://doi.org/10.62872/63x5wa58
Djukardi, D. M., Ketut Rachmi, I. G. A., & Sumiarni, E. (2020). Indonesian Government Policy and The Importance of Protection Cultural Heritage for National Identity. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Social Transformation, Community and Sustainable Development (ICSTCSD 2019), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.2991/icstcsd-19.2020.43
Fatimah, S., Syafrini, D., Wasino, & Zainul, R. (2021). Rendang lokan: history, symbol of cultural identity, and food adaptation of Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 8(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-021-00088-2
Fatmawati, E. (2021). Strategies to grow a proud attitude towards Indonesian cultural diversity. Linguistics and Culture Review, 5(S1), 810–820. https://doi.org/10.21744/lingcure.v5nS1.1465
Fitryansyah, M. A., & Sofiyati. (2024). Perceptions and Attitudes of Urban Muslim Youth towards Modernity and Globalization. Al-Madinah: Journal of Islamic Civilization, 1(1), 95–108. https://doi.org/10.70901/5bc4cj82
Halim, S., & Sari, M. (2024). Visual Language and Identity in Digital Youth Culture: A Socio-Semiotic Study of Memes among Indonesian Gen Z. Communica : Journal of Communication, 2(3), 200–213. https://doi.org/10.61978/communica.v2i3.775
Haryanti, D. A., Retno Ningsih, T. W., Ayesa, A., & Saptono, D. (2025). Visual narrative of ethnic identity: preserving Chinese culture through traditional hand-drawn batik Lasem. Dewa Ruci: Jurnal Pengkajian Dan Penciptaan Seni, 20(1), 148–161. https://doi.org/10.33153/dewaruci.v20i1.6483
Hefira, V. (2024). Exploring Educational Media on Indonesian Studies for Third-Culture Kids’ Identity Development. Ultimart: Jurnal Komunikasi Visual, 17(2), 192–204. https://doi.org/10.31937/ultimart.v17i2.3909
Herlina, H., Hadriana, H., Zulirfan, Z., & Elmustian, E. (2025). The impact of the Riau Malay culture e-module on high school students’ understanding of self-identity values: Study in Riau -Indonesia. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 8(9), 194–204. https://doi.org/10.53894/ijirss.v8i9.10653
Ibrahim, I., Haryadi, D., & Hidayat, N. (2024). Identity, Political Culture, and Democracy Naivety in Indonesia. SHS Web of Conferences, 187(1), 04023. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202418704023
Issundari, S., Yani, Y. M., Sumadinata, R. W. S., & Heryadi, R. D. (2021). From Local to Global: Positioning Identity of Yogyakarta, Indonesia through Cultural Paradiplomacy. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 10(3), 177. https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2021-0074
Jabar, A. A., & Salsabila, S. A. (2025). The Influence of Local Culture on Islamic Education in Indonesia. Socrates : Journal of Education, Philosophy and Psychology, 1(2), 41–44. https://doi.org/10.63217/socrates.v1i2.108
Kartono, D. T., Zuber, A., Budi, A. C., & Wilujeng, P. R. (2023). Identity and Socio-cultural Crisis in Industrial Cities: A Study on Workers in Jakarta and Makassar, Indonesia. Society, 11(1), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v11i1.440
Kolibu, R. M. P., Sachari, A., Setiawan, P., & R, T. R. (2021). Waruga Ornament Symbols; Identity and Culture Representation of the Minahasa People, Indonesia. Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion, 54(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.7176/JPCR/54-03
Kotten, N. B., Beda, E., Korosando, F., Nande, M., Arafat, S., & Suryani, L. (2025). Culturally Embedded Character Education: Teacher Identity and Institutional Transformation in Eastern Indonesia. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(11), 711–725. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.11.33
Kusmaningtyas, R. F., Hidayat, A., Soebiakto, G. P., Permana, A. F., & Abdullah, I. H. (2023). Traditional Cultural Expression as an Embodiment of Indigenous Communities and Regional Identity (Semarang Indonesia Case). Journal of Indonesian Legal Studies, 8(1), 45–92. https://doi.org/10.15294/jils.v8i1.63191
Mahendra, D. (2024). The Impact of Tourism on the Preservation and Transformation of Cultural Identity in Bali, Indonesia. Studies in Social Science & Humanities, 3(6), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.56397/SSSH.2024.06.05
Manse, M. (2022). Performing Power: Cultural Hegemony, Identity, and Resistance in Colonial Indonesia, by Arnout van der Meer. Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia, 178(2–3), 345–348. https://doi.org/10.1163/22134379-17802007
Marwah, S. S., Anisah, A. S., & Nurzakiah. (2025). Language, Identity, and Inclusion: Advancing Multilingual Education Through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Indonesia. Eduscape : Journal of Education Insight, 3(2), 128–139. https://doi.org/10.61978/eduscape.v3i2.1010
Maryani, Z., Legino, R., & Waijittragum, P. (2025). Linguistic hybridity between Javanese and Bahasa Indonesia in contemporary Javanese songs. Gelar: Jurnal Seni Budaya, 23(2), 278–286. https://doi.org/10.33153/glr.v23i2.7785
Maulida, F. H. (2024). Football Fans in Indonesia and Malaysia in the 2000s: Fanaticism, Conflict, and Friendship. SOSHUM : Jurnal Sosial Dan Humaniora, 14(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.31940/soshum.v14i2.141-149
Mualimin, M., Saliro, S. S., Yunaldi, A., & Muhammad, R. (2025). From Religiosity to Representing Cultural Identity: Communication Approach in the Changes of Indonesia’s Halal policy on Instagram. Journal of Southeast Asian Islam and Society, 4(1), 75–92. https://doi.org/10.30631/8sc90e08
Mubarrak, H., Zikri, A., Hanapi, A., Munir, B., & Iskandar, I. (2024). Sharia as a New Culture System of Identity in the Post-Conlict Aceh, Indonesia. Al-Qadha : Jurnal Hukum Islam Dan Perundang-Undangan, 11(2), 176–189. https://doi.org/10.32505/qadha.v11i2.9250
Mukti, A. H., Edward, O. T., Sastrodiharjo, I., Cahyo, A. N., Cahyadi, I., & Abdurrahman. (2026). Financial Risk Management and Heritage Enterprise Sustainability: Exploring a Moderated Mediation Model Based on Cultural Identity and Financial Literacy in the Case of Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 19(3), 183. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19030183
Musthofa, B. M., Pranita, D., Rasul, M. S., & Haidlir, B. M. (2023). Institutional Dynamics of Halal Tourism Development in Indonesia and Malaysia. JAS (Journal of ASEAN Studies), 11(1), 21–41. https://doi.org/10.21512/jas.v11i1.9431
Nasoha, A. M. M., Atqiya, A. N., Saputra, M. Z., Sifa, P. M., & Mawarni, I. D. (2024). Kewarganegaraan dan Pengakuan Budaya Lokal : Tantangan Multikulturalisme di Era Modern Indonesia. Presidensial: Jurnal Hukum, Administrasi Negara, Dan Kebijakan Publik, 1(3), 206–215. https://doi.org/10.62383/presidensial.v1i3.318
Nuriyanto, L. K. (2022). Preservation of the Batik Industry in Indonesia as Part of the National Identity. International Journal of Science and Applied Science: Conference Series, 6(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.20961/ijsascs.v6i2.73912
Nurjanah, N. (2025). Cultural Soft Power: Indonesia’s Diplomacy Strategy through Music, Film, and Culinary Arts. Kamara Journal, 2(3), 34–45. https://doi.org/10.62872/kj.v2i3.476
Paramitha, J., & Wei, F. (2024). Exploring Cultural Transformation Through Design: Implications of Indonesia-China Relations on National Identity. Asian Journal of Engineering, Social and Health, 3(9), 1936–1946. https://doi.org/10.46799/ajesh.v3i9.321
Prayogi, B., & Al-Asyari, M. K. H. (2021). Identity Politics: a Study of the Historicity Politics Identity of the Hadrami Community in Indonesia. Islah: Journal of Islamic Literature and History, 2(2), 81–101. https://doi.org/10.18326/islah.v2i2.81-101
Priwati, A. R., & Sanitioso, R. B. (2024). Exploring national identity and collective memory across cultures: comparison of Indonesia and France. Frontiers in Political Science, 6(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpos.2024.1233210
Pugra, I. W., Sutiarso, M. A., & Joaquin, C. J. (2025). The cultural significance of traditional foods in shaping Indonesian social identity: Challenges and preservation strategies. Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies, 3(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v3i1.318
Purnomo, C. A., Mahanaim, S. A., Riva Lo, F., Ardaniah, V., & Ardhianto, P. (2021). Visual Language of Javanese Script on Shoe Design as Cultural Identity. Gelar : Jurnal Seni Budaya, 19(2), 105–113. https://doi.org/10.33153/glr.v19i2.3951
Purwantoro, K., Soelistyowati, D., & Winingsih, I. (2025). The Interaction of Traditional Values and Digital Culture: A Phenomenological Study of the Social Identity of Indonesia’s Gen Z. International Journal of Education, Language, and Religion, 7(3), 288. https://doi.org/10.35308/ijelr.v7i3.13458
Puspitasari, D., Suryadi, Y., & Widodo, H. (2022). Culture Industry and Japanese Identity in Snack and Drinks Products in Indonesia. IZUMI, 11(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.14710/izumi.11.1.31-43
Putra, R. A. (2023). How Does Language and Culture Form One Unique National Identity? A Case Study of Renaming the South China Sea to North Natuna Sea in Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Since 2016. Jurnal Global Strategis, 17(2), 443–466. https://doi.org/10.20473/jgs.17.2.2023.443-466
Putri, M. H., Azizah, S. N., Akbar, M. J., Kusuma, E. Z. W., Rumara, P. A. C., & Utami, S. A. (2024). Increasing the Children’s Nationalism of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) through Pancasila, Tourism, Culture, and Indonesian Folk Songs in Malaysia. Journal of Society, Community and Business Development, 2(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.30595/scbd.v2i1.161
Rahmawati, A., Jamil, M. M., & Junaidi, A. A. (2026). The Evolution of the Jilbāb in Indonesia: From Cultural Tradition to Symbol of Religious Identity and Political Resistance. Women, Education, and Social Welfare, 3(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.70211/wesw.v3i1.421
Rahmawati, Y., Ridwan, A., Cahyana, U., & Wuryaningsih, T. (2020). The Integration of Ethnopedagogy in Science Learning to Improve Student Engagement and Cultural Awareness. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(2), 662–671. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080239
Rasidi, R., & Istiningsih, G. (2025). Education based on local wisdom: An alternative model for the integration of cultural values in the school curriculum in Indonesia. BIS Education, 1(1), V125027. https://doi.org/10.31603/bised.175
Redjeki, D. S. S., Imron, A., Rasdiana, R., Wiyono, B. B., Prestiadi, D., Wahed, A., Purwati, E., Dami, Z. A., Margariena, I. N., Maulina, S., & Sinon, I. L. S. (2025). The nexus of Nusantara archipelagic cultural values in pupil management and its activities on social harmony through national identity revitalization. Frontiers in Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1524105
Rihal, R. J., Sri Rejeki, Zedi Muttaqin, & Malami Muhammad Garba. (2024). Exploration of the Roah Umrah Tradition as a Cultural Identity of Lombok, Indonesia: Perspectives from Islamic Law and Social Context. INFERENSI: Jurnal Penelitian Sosial Keagamaan, 18(2), 175–202. https://doi.org/10.18326/infsl3.v18i2.175-202
Rosmaria, R. (2025). Social and Cultural History of Indonesia: Narratives of Identity, Tradition, and Transformation. Archipel: Journal of Indonesian Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.65739/archipel.v1i1.3
Sabur, M., Sari, A. A., Wiratih, H. W. R., & Nasim, E. S. (2025). Cultural-Based Marketing Strategies: The Impact of Traditional Values on Consumer Behavior in Indonesia’s Creative Industry. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(4), 686–691. https://doi.org/10.14419/gq1qdr26
Sahfutra, S. A. (2021). Diaspora Komunitas Tamil di Sumatera Utara: Antara Menjadi India atau Indonesia. Jurnal Sains Sosio Humaniora, 5(1), 575–582. https://doi.org/10.22437/jssh.v5i1.14304
Saputra, R. (2024). Governance Frameworks and Cultural Preservation in Indonesia: Balancing Policy and Heritage. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 11(3), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2145
Saryono, D. M., & Puspitasari, M. (2024). Representation of Nasionalism and Patriotism in The Song “Kami Nusa Hitam.” Technium Education and Humanities, 9(1), 26–39. https://doi.org/10.47577/teh.v9i.11299
Setiyani, W., Nurhairunnisa, N., & Holilah, H. (2024). Epistemology of Pundhen Telaga Sarangan: A Study of Sacred Rites as Cultural Identity in Magetan, Indonesia. Wawasan: Jurnal Ilmiah Agama Dan Sosial Budaya, 9(1), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.15575/jw.v9i1.33790
Sihombing, L. H. (2022). The Portraits of Bataknese and Sundanese Cultural Identity towards Marriage Custom in Lamaran Movie. Jurnal Ilmiah Mandala Education, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.58258/jime.v8i2.3126
Simanjuntak, I. F., Br. Perangin-angin, A., & Rusdi Noor Rosa. (2024). Heritage Language Dilemma: Generational Attitudes and Cultural Identity Among Tamil Diaspora in Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research, 3(6), 921–938. https://doi.org/10.55927/ijar.v3i6.9804
Siregar, B., Hesananta, M. B., Seniman, & Fahmi. (2021). Development of Gamelan music instruments using HC-SR04 sensor on arduino and operated using android-based applications. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1882(1), 012140. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012140
Siregar, M. H., & Alijanovich, Y. M. (2022). Symbiosis Identity: Islam, Culture (Urf) and Social Mobilization in Indonesia. Jurnal Fuaduna : Jurnal Kajian Keagamaan Dan Kemasyarakatan, 6(2), 193. https://doi.org/10.30983/fuaduna.v6i2.5808
Sjamsuridzal, W., Khasanah, M., Febriani, R., Vebliza, Y., Oetari, A., Santoso, I., & Gandjar, I. (2021). The effect of the use of commercial tempeh starter on the diversity of Rhizopus tempeh in Indonesia. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 23932. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03308-6
Sulani, P., Wibowo, P., & Muas, T. N. M. E. (2022). Sustainability of Cultural Identity of Ex-Adherents Kawula Warga Naluri of 1966-1971 in Banjarnegara, Indonesia. Wawasan: Jurnal Ilmiah Agama Dan Sosial Budaya, 6(2), 183–194. https://doi.org/10.15575/jw.v6i2.15727
Sulistyarini, D., Kumorotomo, W., & Rajiyem, R. (2024). Javanese Cultural Content and Identity Construction: Study on Javanese Transmigrant Descendants in Lampung, Indonesia. Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 40(2), 448–464. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2024-4002-26
Sumiati, S. (2025). The Influence of Globalization on Political and Social Policies in Indonesia. Global Education Journal, 3(1), 265–272. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i1.948
Sunardi, D., Yulianto, W. E., & Wilujeng, L. L. (2025). The Representations of and the Responses toward Hybridity in Indonesia: A Systematic Review. Journal of Language and Literature, 25(2), 383–396. https://doi.org/10.24071/joll.v25i2.11666
Surpi, N. K., Lochan, A., & Seriadi, S. L. N. (2025). Ethnic Identity and Cultural Diplomacy of Indian Diaspora in Indonesia. International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion, 7(1), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7i1.99
Susanto, N. H., Nabila, U., & Muasomah, M. (2020). Cultural Identity, Capitalization of Education, and Pedagogy for Liberation. Cendekia: Jurnal Kependidikan Dan Kemasyarakatan, 18(2), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.21154/cendekia.v18i2.1900
Sutikno, S. (2021). The Culture of The Following of Melayu Identity in Indonesia. International Journal of Ethno-Sciences and Education Research, 1(3), 44–47. https://doi.org/10.46336/ijeer.v1i3.293
Tjoeng, I. (2025). Luxury in the jungle: Contemporary resorts, Balinese culture, and sustainability. Scholarly Review Journal, Summer 202(13). https://doi.org/10.70121/001c.139050
Wahyuni, A. E., Yannuar, N., Basthomi, Y., & Suharyadi, S. (2023). The Negotiation of Identities in Multilingual Settings as Depicted in Indonesia dalem Api dan Bara. Linguistik Indonesia, 41(2), 151–167. https://doi.org/10.26499/li.v41i2.472
Wijaya, J., Jailani, M., & Ioraa, J. S. (2023). Synergy and collaboration of pentahelix elements in strengthening indonesian cultural identity to strengthen nationalism in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Jurnal Pendidikan PKN (Pancasila Dan Kewarganegaraan), 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.26418/jppkn.v4i1.60917
Wuhan, J. (2024). Tracing Cultural Transformation Through Design: Implications of Indonesia-China Relations on National Identity. Asian Journal of Engineering, Social and Health, 3(5), 1075–1085. https://doi.org/10.46799/ajesh.v3i5.321
Yufriadi, F. (2024). Mohammad Natsir Thought on Reactualising Religious Nationalism in Indonesia. Hakamain: Journal of Sharia and Law Studies, 2(1), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.57255/hakamain.v2i1.166
Zabadi, F., Wahyudi, A., F., Sidik, U., Lestariningsih, D. N., Suryatin, E., Fitrina, Y., Fahmi, R. N., Aritonang, B., Kurnianto, E. A., Kurniawati, W., & Tama, I. W. (2025). Strengthening National Identity Through the Value and Preservation of Tidung Tribe Culture in the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Area. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 12(4), 209–229. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2602
Copyright (c) 2026 Marlon Edison Leatemia, Paulus Koritelu, Piter Jacob Pelupessy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
