
traditions.” Lestari adds, “Our children are taught the
importance of respecting different cultures. We want
them to understand that having two cultural heritages
is richness.”
These findings support Berry (2016) research and
Mead's theory, which suggests that interaction with
cultural symbols strengthens children's multicultural
identity. By teaching children to respect and love two
cultures, inter-ethnic couples contribute to creating a
generation that is more tolerant and open to
differences.
Overall, this study found that cross-ethnic
marriages between Javanese and Makassarese make a
positive contribution to the formation of an inclusive
cultural identity, increased tolerance, expansion of
social networks, and multicultural education for
children. Adaptation through effective
communication, incorporation of traditions,
adjustment of daily habits, and multicultural
education provide a strong foundation for cross-
ethnic couples to create a harmonious family rich in
diversity. Mead and Merton's theory serves as a
conceptual foundation that helps to understand this
dynamic, showing that cultural adaptation is not just
an adjustment, but a process that enriches the lives of
inter-ethnic couples in Makassar City.
4 CONCLUSION
Based on the study's results, inter-ethnic marriages
between Makassarese and Javanese in Makassar City
demonstrate various forms of adaptations couples
make to create family harmony. These adaptations
include effective communication, incorporating
traditions, values adjustment, and multicultural
childcare approaches. These practices strengthen
family relationships and foster mutual respect for
cultural diversity, positively impacting the couples’
social lives by enriching cultural identity, expanding
social networks, and increasing tolerance. By
engaging with two cultural communities, inter-ethnic
couples gain broader social support and economic
opportunities while serving as agents of social
change, promoting integration and cohesion within
society.
However, this study has limitations. The research
involved only eight inter-ethnic couples in Makassar,
which may only partially represent the broader
population of inter-ethnic couples. Future studies
with more extensive and more diverse samples could
help generalize these findings. Additionally, future
research could focus on the long-term impact of inter-
ethnic marriages on the cultural identity of children in
cross-ethnic families. Developing a framework that
includes the influence of differing traditions on child-
rearing practices and family adaptation in broader
socioeconomic contexts could provide deeper
insights. By exploring these aspects, future studies are
expected to offer a more comprehensive
understanding of the dynamics of inter-ethnic
marriages and their implications for individuals,
families, and multicultural societies.
REFERENCES
Andriawati, M. R. (2016). Jaringan Komunikasi Perantau
Etnis Jawa Asal Banyuwangi Di Kota Makassar
Terhadap Daya Tarik Daerah Tujuan Dan Daerah
Asal. Kareba: Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi, 225–245.
Arifin, I., & Darmayanti, D. P. (2024). Intercultural
Interaction In The Multiethnic Context Of Makassar
City: A Case Study In An Urban Neighborhood. Kne
Social Sciences, 759–768.
Asai, S. G., & Olsno, D. H. (2004). Culturally Sensitive
Adaptation Of Prepare With Japanese Premarital
Couples. Journal Of Marital And Family Therapy,
30(4), 411–426.
Berry, J. (2016). Diversity And Equity. Cross Cultural &
Strategic Management, 23(3), 413–430.
Breger, R., & Hill, R. (2021). Cross-Cultural Marriage:
Identity And Choice. Routledge.
Caballero, C., Edwards, R., & Smith, D. (2008). Cultures
Of Mixing: Understanding Partnerships Across
Ethnicity. Twenty-First Century Society, 3(1), 49–
63.
Fetty, T. (2021). Hambatan Perkawinan Antar Etnik Di
Kota Bukit Tinggi [Disertasi]. Universitas Andalas.
Haidar, A. F., Ahmad, R. N., Hapsari, R. S., Natanael, R.,
& Sukmawati, R. L. S. N. (2023). Tantangan Hukum
Dan Aspek-Aspek Multikultural Dalam Pernikahan
Internasional. Causa: Jurnal Hukum Dan
Kewarganegaraan, 1(6), 1–10.
Jalaluddin, S., & Putra, M. R. A. (2024). Intercultural
Communication Among The Bugis Community In
Fostering Harmony Within The Buton Society.
Jurnal Iso: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Politik Dan
Humaniora, 4(1), 8.
Kim, Y. Y., & Gudykunst, W. (2005). Adapting To A New
Culture. Theorizing About Intercultural
Communication, 375400.
Lindenberg, J. (2009). Interethnic Marriages And
Conversion To Islam In Kota Bharu. Muslim Non-
Muslim Marriage: Political And Cultural
Contestations In Southeast Asia. Singapore, Iseas.
Masdar, M., Harifuddin, H., Iskandar, A. M., Azus, F., &
Usman, A. (2024). Interactionism And Social
Harmonization In Wonomulyo As The Multiethnic
City. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 12(2), 899–928.
Mead, M., Métraux, R. B., & Métraux, R. (2000). The Study
Of Culture At A Distance (Vol. 1). Berghahn Books.
ICHELS 2024 - The International Conference on Humanities Education, Law, and Social Science
294