Interpretative Symbolic Anthropology: Islamic Dynamics of the Indonesian Chinese Islamic Association (PITI) in Jepara Regency

Abstract

Penelitian antropologi simbolik interpretatif ini bertujuan untuk memahami dinamika keislaman dalam Persatuan Islam Tionghoa Indonesia (PITI) di Kabupaten Jepara. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini mengeksplorasi berbagai simbol-simbol keislaman yang ada dalam komunitas PITI, serta bagaimana simbol-simbol ini memberikan makna dan pengaruh pada kehidupan keagamaan dan kebudayaan para anggotanya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian etnografi dengan model wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipatif, dan analisis dokumen terkait PITI. Informan penelitian terdiri dari ketua dan anggota komunitas PITI, tokoh agama, dan masyarakat lokal di Kabupaten Jepara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keislaman dalam PITI adalah hasil dari integrasi antara budaya Tionghoa dan ajaran Islam. Simbol-simbol keislaman seperti nisan, pakaian tradisional, dan perayaan hari raya keagamaan memiliki makna yang mendalam bagi anggota PITI dalam mempertahankan identitas agama dan budaya mereka. Selain itu, simbol-simbol ini juga berperan dalam menjalin hubungan harmonis antara komunitas PITI dengan masyarakat sekitarnya. Dinamika keislaman dalam PITI juga dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor sosial, politik, dan ekonomi di Kabupaten Jepara. Transformasi sosial dan perkembangan teknologi juga memainkan peran dalam mempengaruhi cara anggota PITI mengamalkan agama mereka dan memahami simbol-simbol keislaman. This interpretive symbolic anthropology research aims to understand Islamic dynamics in the Indonesian Chinese Islamic Association (PITI) in Jepara Regency. Through a qualitative approach, this research explores various Islamic symbols that exist in the PITI community, as well as how these symbols provide meaning and influence on the religious and cultural life of its members. The research method used is ethnographic research using in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and analysis of documents related to PITI. Research informants consisted of leaders and members of the PITI community, religious leaders and local communities in Jepara Regency. The research results show that Islam in PITI is the result of integration between Chinese culture and Islamic teachings. Islamic symbols such as gravestones, traditional clothing, and religious holiday celebrations have deep meaning for PITI members in maintaining their religious and cultural identity. Apart from that, these symbols also play a role in establishing harmonious relations between the PITI community and the surrounding community. Islamic dynamics in PITI are also influenced by social, political and economic factors in Jepara Regency. Social transformation and technological developments also play a role in influencing the way PITI members practice their religion and understand Islamic symbols