Multicultural Society

MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY A. Definition Multicultural can be interpreted as diversity or differences between one culture and another. Thus, a multicultural society can be interpreted as a group of people who live and settle in a place that has its own culture and characteristics that are able to distinguish between one society and another. Each society will produce its own culture which will be a characteristic for that society. A multicultural society is a society consisting of several types of cultural communities with all their advantages, with slight differences in conception of the world, a cultural system that has meaning, values, forms of social organization, history, customs and habits. As stated by Parekh (1997), "A Multicultural society, then is one that includes several cultural communities with their overlapping but none the less distinct conception of the world, system of meaning, values, forms of social organizations, history, customs and practices" Meanwhile, multiculturalism is a term used to explain a person's view of the diversity of life in the world, or a cultural policy that emphasizes acceptance of diversity, and various cultures (multicultural) that exist in the life of society concerning the values, systems, cultures, customs, and politics that they adhere to. Multicultural can be interpreted as diversity or differences between one culture and another. So that a multicultural society can be interpreted as a group of people who live and settle in a place that has its own culture and characteristics that are able to distinguish between one society and another. Each society will produce its own culture which will become a characteristic for that society. This is where the term multiculturalism emerged. There are many definitions of multiculturalism, including that multiculturalism is basically a worldview - which can then be translated into various cultural policies that emphasize acceptance of the reality of diversity, plurality, and multiculturalism that exist in the life of society. Multiculturalism can also be understood as a worldview that is then manifested in the "politics of recognition" (Azyumardi Azra, 2007). Lawrence Blum stated that multiculturalism includes an understanding, appreciation, and assessment of one's culture, as well as respect and curiosity about the ethnic cultures of others. The various definitions of multiculturalism can be concluded that the core of multiculturalism is about acceptance and appreciation of a culture, both one's own culture and the culture of others. Everyone is emphasized to respect and honor each culture in society. Whatever form a culture takes, it must be accepted by everyone without distinguishing between one culture and another. B. National Integration in a Multicultural Society In the context of National Integration, understanding and awareness of citizens to understand the multicultural Indonesian society, needs to be given early education so as not to cause cultural incomprehension in the reality of the lives of multicultural Indonesian society. Because through understanding the reality of a multicultural society, in turn they will have the insight and awareness to accept the existing differences, as a reality that must be respected and appreciated in the Bhineka Tunggal Ika container. The Indonesian nation, in turn, will truly understand and at the same time must realize the various differences that exist as multicultural wealth, and this is what makes the urgency of national integration in a multicultural Indonesian society increasingly apparent. National integration in a multicultural Indonesian society is an urgent urgency in strengthening the unity and unity of the nation. Because behind multicultural diversity, if not properly maintained through national integration, these differences have the potential to store social conflicts. Therefore, through national integration, cultural adaptation can be attempted to prevent social conflict due to cultural differences. Especially in today's era of globalization, with easily accessible digital industry technology 4.0 (four point zero), it is very worrying that there will be provocateurs who spread hoax content of antagonism between regional cultures through cybernet social media. Various understandings and tendencies of the development of the concept and practice of multiculturalism expressed by experts, made a figure named Parekh (1997: 183185) distinguish five types of multiculturalism (Azra. 2007, summarizing Parekh's explanation). 1) Isolationist multiculturalism, refers to a society in which various cultural groups live autonomously and engage in minimal interaction with each other. 2) Accommodative multiculturalism, namely a society that has a dominant culture that makes certain adjustments and accommodations for the needs of minority cultures. This society formulates and implements culturally sensitive laws, regulations, and provisions, and gives minorities the freedom to maintain and develop their culture. Likewise, minorities do not challenge the dominant culture. This multiculturalism is implemented in several European countries. 3) Autonomous multiculturalism, a plural society in which the main cultural groups strive to achieve equality with the dominant culture and desire an autonomous life within a collectively acceptable political framework. The main concern of these cultural groups is to maintain their way of life, which has the same rights as the dominant group; they challenge the dominant group and strive to create a society in which all groups can exist as equal partners. 4) Critical or interactive multiculturalism, namely a plural society in which cultural groups are not too focused (concerned) with autonomous cultural life; but rather form a collective creation that reflects and affirms their distinctive perspectives. 5) Cosmopolitan multiculturalism, trying to erase cultural boundaries altogether to create a society in which each individual is no longer bound to a particular culture and, instead, freely engages in intercultural experiments and at the same time develops their respective cultural lives. Indonesian society is a society with a very complex level of diversity. A society with such diversity is known as a multicultural society. If we recognize society as a group of people who have lived and worked together long enough so that they are able to organize themselves and think of themselves as a social unit with certain boundaries, then the concept of society when combined with multiculturalism has a very broad meaning and requires a deep understanding to be able to understand what a multicultural society really is. Basically, multiculturalism that is formed in Indonesia is the result of socio-cultural and geographical conditions that are so diverse and broad. According to geographical conditions, Indonesia has many islands where each island is inhabited by a group of people who form a society. From this society, a culture is formed regarding the society itself. Of course this has an impact on the existence of a very large and diverse culture. In the concept of multiculturalism, there is a close relationship to the formation of a society based on Bhineka Tunggal Ika and realizing a national culture that unites the Indonesian nation. However, in its implementation there are still various obstacles that hinder the formation of multiculturalism in society. Multiculturalism can occur in Indonesia due to factors such as Indonesia's geographical location, mixed marriages, and the tropical climate.