NEGOTIATING IDENTITY AND RESILIENCE: Communicative Practices in The Multicultural Context of Kerta Buana Hindu Communities, Kutai Kartanegara

Abstract

This study examines the communicative practices of the Hindu community in Kerta Buana Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, and how these practices contribute to the negotiation of identity and the development of socio-cultural resilience within a Muslim-majority society. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation involving religious leaders, youth, and community representatives. The analysis, grounded in Identity Negotiation Theory (Ting-Toomey, 2017), reveals that interfaith relations in Kerta Buana are characterized by accommodative communication, mutual respect, and adaptive negotiation that preserve harmony and inclusivity. The Hindu community demonstrates resilience through the regeneration of traditional values, participation in interfaith collaboration, and adaptation to dominant cultural norms without compromising their religious authenticity. The findings conclude that identity negotiation among minority communities can foster inclusive integration rather than assimilation. It is recommended that local governments and interfaith institutions, such as the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), continue to support and institutionalize intercultural dialogue to strengthen community cohesion and protect minority cultural sustainability in multicultural settings.