The
Importance of Elites
In Lampung’s villages,
hierarchy is pervasive. In Lampungese villages, a group of a few Peningbang,
who are leaders by birth, are the most influental members of the community. In
transmigrant villages, the village chief ( or Village chief ) and hamlet chiefs
are usually the community leaders. Lampungese and transmigrant community defer
to elites in many aspect of social life from political decisions ( e.g local
governance ) to economic decisions ( e.g the developement and use of
infrastructure ), to cultural roles ( e.g
sanctioning of marriages ). Many aspect of conflict and its management ate also
left to decisions of attack other villages. Thus it is clear that elites play a
central role in the instigation, escalation and restraint of inter village
conflicts.
Beyond just the
structural sources of power by elites, it is important to note their influence
on notms, duties and narratives. Lampungese villages are governed nominally by
the village chief, but de facto
by the Peningbang. Decrees by Peningbang are taken as local laws and ideas and
stories are given great weight. Peningbang have the powerful ability to
ostracize members of community ( a harsh penalty in this close-knit society ).
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