A Historical Portrait of the Social, Political, and Educational Life of the People of Tongkuno District during Indonesia's Old Order Era

Abstrak

This study aims to reconstruct the social, political, and educational life of the people of Tongkuno District during Indonesia's Old Order era (1945–1966). The research employed a qualitative approach using the historical method through the stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, documentation, and the examination of relevant historical sources. The findings reveal that the social life of the community remained predominantly agrarian, characterized by strong kinship ties and mutual cooperation. Politically, the community experienced a gradual transition into the administrative system of the Republic of Indonesia while local traditional leaders continued to play a significant role in community governance. Administrative changes also influenced public administration, settlement patterns, and access to public services. Educational development progressed through the establishment of several elementary schools and culminated in the founding of Tongkuno Junior High School in 1965, which expanded educational opportunities for local residents. The study demonstrates that social, political, and educational transformations occurred gradually through the interaction between national policies and local socio-cultural conditions. These findings contribute to the enrichment of Indonesian local historiography and provide a broader understanding of the historical development of Tongkuno District as an integral part of Indonesia's Old Order history.

Kata kunci

• Education
• Old Order
• Politics
• Social Life