TINJU ADAT SO’A DAN ETIKA KONFUSIANISME: MENEMUKAN NILAI DALAM TRADISI KEKERASAN YANG BERMAKNA

Abstract

The phenomena of tradition and violence are often interpreted as antithetical, where one is associated with the preservation of noble values, while the other is seen as a violation of moral norms. However, this discourse highlights the complexity inherent in some cultural contexts, where violence manifests as an integral component of traditional practices rich in symbolic significance and sociocultural functions. This article specifically elaborates on the So'a indigenous boxing tradition in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, known locally as etu, through the paradigm of Confucian ethics. Etu is a ritualistic boxing practice that fundamentally combines physical competition with social rites governed by a strict customary system. Although intrinsic to the physical dimension, the essence of etu lies not in the goal of permanently injuring, but rather as a medium to strengthen solidarity, restore social tensions, and serve as a mechanism of reconciliation. Within the framework of the Confucian perspective, which emphasizes the values of li (ritual), ren (humanity) and yi (virtue), the violence embodied in etu can be conceptualized as an integral part of a moral and structured value system.This study aims to analyze how violence in etu is understood, legitimized, and ethically interpreted in the socio-cultural context of Ngada society, as well as in light of Confucian ethical principles. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this article seeks to explore the crucial role of ritualistic violence in strengthening social cohesion and maintaining moral balance in traditional communities.