The Mythological Phenomenon of Hari Futung in the Social Construction of Traditional Fishing Communities on Alor Island

Abstract

Hari Futung is one of the sea guardians believed by the coastal communities of Alor to have the power to help the Alor tribe when they encounter various problems or disasters at sea. This study is aimed at understanding the phenomenon of Hari Futung mythology in the social life of coastal communities in Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency, which is formulated into two main issues: the meaning of Hari Futung mythology for coastal communities in Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency, and the role of Hari Futung in the activities of coastal communities in Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency. The objectives of this study are to examine the phenomenon of Hari Futung mythology in the social construction of traditional fishermen in Alor Kecil Village, Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency, and the social construction of Hari Futung mythology among traditional coastal fishermen on Alor Island in Alor Kecil Village, Alor Barat Laut District, Alor Regency. This study employs a phenomenological research design within a qualitative research approach, where information is obtained from the subjective experiences of informants. The conclusions of the study are: 1. The mythology of Hari Futung and the Alor Sea are inseparable components of their social life. Hari Futung is interpreted as a sea creature that causes problems at sea for fishermen who damage the marine ecosystem and can also act as a savior for fishermen who drown or whose boats sink in the waters of Alor Sea, Therefore, interaction through the Pao Hari ritual or feeding the ancestral spirits of the sea is necessary. This ritual has been constructed as both a subjective and objective reality, serving as a social consciousness within the traditional social structure of coastal communities in the Alor Sea. 2. The mythology of Hari Futung has been constructed in the social life of coastal fishermen on Alor Island over a long period of time into a belief system, which then makes it difficult for the community to adapt to environments outside their social circle within the framework of religious rationalization and modern science.