Transformation and interaction in elite formation between ethnics

Abstract

The purposes of this paper are; (i) explore the transformation and interaction process of Buginese and Macassarese elites with their clients in achieving, maintaining and expanding their political and economic power. (ii) discover and understand the process of Buginese and Macassarese elites in using the symbols of culture, power, money and other socio-political culture to achieve and maintain (reproduce) their power at the micro, mezzo and macro level.  The result of this study showed four phases of transformation process in the formation of Buginese and Macassarese elites; traditional, feudalism, Islamic modernism, and secularism.  For the Buginese ethnic elite, using the symbols of culture and power are much more effective in reaching pinnacle of power compare to using money, while Macassarese ethnic tend to use of power and money to seize the power, than using the symbols of culture. This paper was written through the study of literature, in-depth interviews with informants, elite actors and listen to people who has been linked to this topic. In addition, personal observation as the immediate witness of transformation and interaction process in the formation of elites in Buginese and Macassarese ethnic.

Keywords: elite, ethnicity, money, cultural symbol, power, politics.