Across Tradition and Transformation Acculturation of Maddoja Bine among the Bugis Community in Soppeng

Abstract

The Maddoja Bine tradition is an agrarian ritual of the Bugis community in Soppeng that functions not only as a rice-seed safeguarding practice but also as a medium for transmitting social, religious, and cultural values. However, modernization, declining participation, and the weakening of local ritual actors have challenged its continuity and transformed its ritual structure. This study aims to analyze the forms of acculturation in the Maddoja Bine tradition, identify changes in its ritual elements, and examine their implications for cultural sustainability. This research employed a qualitative approach with religious anthropological and historical perspectives. Fieldwork was conducted in Bakke Village, Lilirilau District, Soppeng Regency, using observation, interviews, and documentation to collect contextual data from community members who understand and practice the tradition. The findings show that Maddoja Bine has undergone a dynamic process of acculturation through the interaction between local elements, especially Massureq recitations, and Islamic practices such as Barzanji. The tradition has shifted from addition and syncretism toward substitution, as the declining role of Passureq and the scarcity of manuscripts have reduced the presence of local ritual components. While the integration of Islamic elements strengthens religious legitimacy and social acceptance, it also risks weakening the cultural balance of the tradition. This study concludes that the sustainability of Maddoja Bine depends on community support, gradual adaptation, and the preservation of local cultural capacities to maintain its identity as an important form of intangible cultural heritage.