Perlawanan Perempuan Dalam Tradisi Kenduri Blang “Studi Di Desa Matang Rawa, Kecamatan Baktiya, Kabupaten Aceh Utara”

Abstract

The Kenduri Blang tradition is a post-rice harvest thanksgiving tradition that is practiced and preserved by farmers in Aceh to this day. Since ancient times, the Kenduri Blang event has typically involved and been performed by only men, with no women participating. This demonstrates gender inequality in the Kenduri Blang tradition in Matang Rawa village, Baktiya sub-district, North Aceh regency, considering that in other areas, Kenduri Blang events involve both men and women. Village women still lack gender equity in the Kenduri Blang event, given that women's role in agriculture is crucial and dominant for the sustainability of rice farming in Aceh. In recent years, the number of women attending the Kenduri Blang tradition has increased compared to previous years, demonstrating the resistance shown by village women who are beginning to dare to participate in the Kenduri Blang event despite facing negative stereotypes and discrimination from other communities (men). This study aims to explain the factors that motivate village women to attend the Kenduri Blang event and the forms of resistance they demonstrate against patriarchal dominance within the Kenduri Blang tradition. This study employed a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Feminist Existentialism theory was used as an analytical tool, and data collection techniques included field observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings of this study indicate that the factors that motivate women to attend the Kenduri Blang event are based on loss (feeling disadvantaged), equality, and strong motivation. Meanwhile, village women's resistance includes open resistance by attending the event, protesting, debating, and criticizing men and the event organizers. The resistance carried out by village women is symbolic, using several strategies to counter patriarchal dominance in the Kenduri Blang tradition, such as arriving early, arriving in groups, bringing food, and bringing children, siblings, and even relatives from other villages.