PENGUATAN KOHESIVITAS SOSIAL MASYARAKAT DESA MELALUI KEGIATAN LOMBA KEMERDEKAAN INDONESIA

Abstrak

Modernization and individualization threaten social cohesion in rural communities, while Indonesia's independence celebrations have the potential to serve as an analytical instrument for social revitalization. This study aims to analyze the mechanism of strengthening social cohesion through independence competition activities in Sumberanyar Village, Lumajang. A qualitative approach with a single instrumental case study design was employed, involving 18 participants selected purposively from committees, cross-age participants, community leaders, and village officials. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, then analyzed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña's interactive model. The findings indicate that independence competitions transform residents from spectators into active actors, create cross-group meeting spaces, build trust through cooperation, and reinforce the collective meaning of village identity. This mechanism activates mechanical solidarity and renews fading social bonds. In conclusion, independence competitions function as a social mechanism that systematically strengthens rural social cohesion.