The Practice of Multicultural Life of Minang And Mandailing in Lubuk Layang Perspective Will Kymlicka

Abstract

This study is motivated by the coexistence of the Minangkabau and Mandailing communities in Jorong II, Nagari Lubuk Layang, who live together within the same social environment despite having different cultural backgrounds. This condition reflects a multicultural social life that is important to examine through the perspective of multicultural justice proposed by Will Kymlicka. The study aims to analyze the social relations between the Minangkabau and Mandailing communities, identify the forms of justice that emerge within their multicultural life, and examine them based on Will Kymlicka’s theory of multiculturalism. This research employs a qualitative approach using an ethnographic method. Data were collected through observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that social relations between the Minangkabau and Mandailing communities are characterized by harmonious interactions, tolerance, mutual cooperation, and participation in various social activities. Multicultural justice is reflected in the acceptance of each group’s cultural identity, relatively equal opportunities in social life, and the minimal presence of discriminatory practices. However, based on Will Kymlicka’s perspective, particularly the concepts of self-government rights, polyethnic rights, and special representation rights, multicultural justice has not been fully institutionalized. Recognition of the Mandailing community remains more dominant in the social and cultural spheres than in structural and political aspects. Therefore, multicultural life in Nagari Lubuk Layang demonstrates inclusive and harmonious social relations, although institutional recognition of minority groups remains limited.