Acculturation and Its Effects on the Religious and Ethnic Values of Bali’s Catur Village Community

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to identify the best practices for multicultural communities looking to co-exist in the same territory, using Catur village as a case study.  Society brings together people of different cultures, and, for people to stay in harmony concerning each other’s culture, there must be crucial practices that make such harmonious living possible.  This research, therefore, explored the concept of acculturation and its effect on the Balinese and Chinese communities living in Catur village in the Kintamani district of Bali, Indonesia.  Data were collected using pre-prepared unstructured questionnaires administered verbally to five different groups of respondents involved in the study.  The researcher also observed the values and practices of both communities during the interview period.  The data collected were analysed using the thematic analysis method.  The study revealed religious, cultural, language and local administration acculturation effects on the Balinese and Chinese communities living in Catur village.  The Chinese community has adapted to the practices and values of the Balinese community, whose members are indigenous to the region, such as adopting the Balinese naming system for their children.  This study’s findings provide a foundation for the government authorities to promote harmonious relationships in the diverse community within their jurisdictions.