In Between Assimilation and Pluralism: The Life of the Banjarese Ethnic Group in Malaysia
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The presence of the Banjarese ethnic group in Malaysia dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when mass migration from South Kalimantan began. As one of the ethnic minorities in Malaysia, the Banjarese have had to adapt their way of life and coexist with various other ethnicities. When examining the coexistence of diverse races and ethnic groups, two crucial concepts, “assimilation” and “pluralism”, often come to mind. However, these concepts do not adequately capture the complexity of Malaysian society. Rather, a new concept known as “community of communities”, is proposed, which emphasises the acceptance of legitimacy by communities and their loyalty and commitment to the national community while preserving their distinct ethnic and local identities. This study aims to assess whether this newly proposed concept accurately describes the Banjarese community. Forty respondents were interviewed and observed in four areas predominantly inhabited by the Banjarese people, and the analysis was conducted using Gordon’s theory of assimilation. The study found that the Banjarese have placed their loyalty and commitment in the national community while preserving their unique ethnic and local identities. This finding aligns with the core principles of the “community of communities” concept, underscoring its relevance in depicting the social dynamics of the Banjarese community.
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