ADAPTASI MASYARAKAT DI TUAPEJAT KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN MENTAWAI PROPINSI SUMATERA BARAT

Abstract

Mentawai is an area consisting of several islands. However, there is one island that was initially not
occupied by the Mentawai people. It was Sipora located exactly in Tuapejat. The island was originally
only used as a stopover for people who cross the island. However, as the region expands and then
searches for the capital region of the Regency, Sipora Island is chosen as a strategic location for the
Mentawai people who are on another island. In the past, Mentawai was still part of Pariaman Regency.

Then this region became one of the transmigration areas of the population both from West Sumatra
itself and from the island of Java. Because of the first entry of transmigration, as well as the existence
of Mentawai people from other islands, they mixed together with a variety of customs and habits.
Therefore this paper examines the forms of community adaptation in Tuapejat, Mentawai, West Sumatra
Province. This paper uses qualitative approach. The data are collected through interview and
observation. The result of the research shows that there is good adaptation ability among the people in
Mentawai with the newcomers. The first proces of adaptation is done from the family environment. The
adoption of value is first done in the family before family members interact in the wider environment
such as the community. Religious and cultural differences are common in Tuapejat society, especially
for Mentawai people. Religious and cultural differences are not a problem among them because they
give priority to mutual respect and value for each difference.