POTENSI AMENSALISME ANTAR ETNIS MELAYU DAN ETNIS CINA DI PERBAUNGAN SERDANG BEDAGAI

Abstrak

Penelitian ini membahas potensi amensalisme antara etnis Melayu dan etnis Cina di Perbaungan, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai. Amensalisme dalam konteks ini dipahami sebagai ketimpangan sosial-ekonomi, di mana satu kelompok merasa dirugikan meskipun pihak lain tidak secara langsung berniat merugikan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor utama yang menyebabkan potensi amensalisme dan dampaknya terhadap hubungan antaretnis. Menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif, data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam dengan tokoh masyarakat, warga dari kedua etnis, serta pemuda lokal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dominasi ekonomi oleh etnis Cina, perbedaan budaya, minimnya interaksi sosial yang intens, serta keterbatasan akses etnis Melayu terhadap modal dan jaringan usaha menjadi pemicu utama kesenjangan. Fenomena amensalisme juga diperkuat oleh ketimpangan representasi dalam pengambilan keputusan dan kurangnya forum dialog terbuka. Meskipun hubungan umumnya rukun, masih terdapat kecemburuan sosial dan sikap saling curiga yang berpotensi menimbulkan konflik laten. Beberapa warga Tionghoa merasa seperti "tamu di kampung sendiri", sementara sebagian warga Melayu merasa tertinggal secara struktural. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa potensi amensalisme dapat ditekan melalui program inklusif seperti pendidikan multikultural, pelatihan ekonomi lintas etnis, pembentukan koperasi bersama, serta keterlibatan aktif dalam kegiatan sosial-budaya. Dengan upaya kolaboratif yang melibatkan pemerintah dan masyarakat, diharapkan tercipta harmoni yang berkelanjutan dan hubungan antaretnis yang lebih adil dan setara di Perbaungan.

This research discusses the potential for amensalism between ethnic Malays and ethnic Chinese in Perbaungan, Serdang Bedagai Regency. Amensalism in this context is understood as socio- economic inequality, where one group feels disadvantaged even though the other party does not directly intend to harm. The purpose of this study is to identify the main factors that lead to potential amensalism and its impact on interethnic relations. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data was obtained through in-depth interviews with community leaders, residents from both ethnicities, as well as local youth. The results showed that economic dominance by the Chinese, cultural differences, lack of intense social interaction, and limited access of ethnic Malays to capital and business networks are the main triggers of the gap. The phenomenon of amensalism is also reinforced by the inequality of representation in decision-making and the lack of open dialogue forums. Although relations are generally harmonious, there is still social jealousy and mutual suspicion that has the potential to cause latent conflict. Some Chinese feel like "guests in their own village", while some Malays feel structurally left behind. This research concludes that the potential for amensalism can be reduced through inclusive programs such as multicultural education, cross-ethnic economic training, the establishment of joint cooperatives, and active involvement in socio-cultural activities. With collaborative efforts involving the government and the community, it is hoped that sustainable harmony and fairer and more equal inter-ethnic relations will be created in Perbaungan.