The Sacred Meaning of the Haroa Ritual and Its Contribution to Social Wellbeing among the Butonese Community: A Sociological Analysis from Emile Durkheim’s Perspective

Abstrak

Religious rituals constitute an integral part of traditional societies, functioning not only as expressions of spirituality but also as mechanisms for social cohesion and collective wellbeing. One enduring ritual practice in Southeast Sulawesi is the Haroa ritual performed by the Butonese community. This article aims to examine the sacred meaning of the Haroa ritual and its contribution to social wellbeing through the lens of Emile Durkheim’s sociology of religion. Employing a qualitative approach based on literature review and conceptual analysis, this study interprets the Haroa ritual as a social fact embedded in collective consciousness. Durkheim’s theoretical framework on the sacred–profane dichotomy, ritual functions, and mechanical solidarity is utilized to analyze how the Haroa ritual reinforces social cohesion, collective identity, and a sense of security and meaningfulness within the community. The findings reveal that the Haroa ritual not only symbolizes the relationship between humans and the sacred but also serves as a culturally grounded instrument of social wellbeing by strengthening social ties, mutual cooperation, and moral stability. This study underscores the importance of recognizing local cultural practices in the formulation of social welfare policies and community empowerment strategies.

Kata kunci

• Emile Durkheim
• Haroa ritual
• Social Solidarity
• sacredness
• social wellbeing