Intercultural Communication Amid the Diversity of the Teluk Patipi Community West Papua

Abstract

The ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity in Teluk Patipi District, West Papua, presents both social resources and potential sources of tension, making intercultural communication crucial for maintaining harmony. This study aims to examine how the Teluk Patipi community uses intercultural communication practices to maintain social cohesion amidst diversity. A qualitative research design with an ethnographic communication approach was used. Data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, and migrant residents. The findings reveal three main communication patterns: ritual-cultural communication, everyday social communication, and symbolic-ecological communication. Ritual-cultural communication is evident in traditional ceremonies that strengthen trust, identity negotiation, and cultural adaptation. Everyday social communication emerges in multilingual interactions, reciprocal cooperation, and interethnic social relationships that build intimacy and solidarity. Symbolic-ecological communication integrates customary values, religious principles, and environmental awareness into everyday community life. This communication pattern is supported by local wisdom, particularly deliberation, mutual cooperation, and the philosophy of Satu Tungku Tiga Batu”, as well as interfaith communication that promotes inclusivity and conflict prevention. This study concludes that social harmony in Patipi Bay continues to be built through adaptive intercultural communication based on local wisdom, shared values, and collective responsibility.