Community-Based Empowerment and the Philosophy of Pobhinci-Bhinciki Kuli in Makassar Island
Keywords:
community empowerment, social capital, local wisdom, Pobhinci-Bhinciki Kuli, participatory developmentAbstract
Purpose – This study aims to explore the potential of social and cultural capital in the empowerment of fisher communities on Makassar Island by highlighting the local philosophy of Pobhinci-Bhinciki Kuli, a traditional value system rooted in the Butonese community. The research addresses the lack of integrated and culturally grounded empowerment strategies in marginal coastal areas, which often leads to ineffective interventions and sustained poverty.
Design/methods/approach – This qualitative case study employed an ethnographic approach involving field observations, in-depth interviews with community members, local leaders, and religious figures, as well as document analysis and participatory conversations. Data were collected in situ and analyzed thematically using iterative coding, enabling a deep understanding of how local values shape social relations and support informal empowerment structures.
Findings – The study reveals that the values of Pobhinci-Bhinciki Kuli—mutual respect, care, affection, and collective responsibility—are deeply embedded in daily interactions and function as informal mechanisms of mutual aid and resilience. However, current empowerment programs remain fragmented, focusing mainly on funding and technical training without addressing structural and cultural contexts. This disconnect limits the sustainability and relevance of the initiatives.
Research implications/limitations – The context-specific nature of the study limits its generalizability to other regions. Additionally, the reliance on qualitative data means findings are interpretive and may require triangulation through quantitative approaches in future research.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the discourse on community-based development by offering an indigenous knowledge-based framework for empowerment. It emphasizes a two-track approach that combines top-down policy involvement with bottom-up community participation for more sustainable outcomes.
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