KETIKA KEBERAGAMAN MENJADI BATAS: HAMBATAN INTERAKSI DAN POTENSI DISKRIMINASI TERHADAP KELOMPOK MINORITAS SERTA TANTANGAN TERHADAP PERSATUAN INDONESIA

Abstract

Diversity in a university setting can foster relationships among students, yet it can also create barriers to interaction. This study aims to examine the experiences of students from Papua regarding adaptation and interaction, as well as the perspectives of students from Medan toward students from Eastern Indonesia, particularly in the context of Indonesian unity. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving interviews with two students from Papua and one student from Medan. The findings indicate that the primary obstacles stem from differences in language, speech patterns, and culture, alongside the presence of stereotypes and concerns regarding physical differences. The informants from Papua reported feeling alienated during the early stages of their studies, though this was largely linked to the processes of adaptation and communication. Meanwhile, the informant from Medan acknowledged the existence of stereotypes and admitted to having witnessed discriminatory treatment toward people from Eastern Indonesia. These conditions demonstrate that stereotypes, social distance, and discrimination can pose challenges to Indonesian unity. Open interaction, communication, and mutual respect are essential to maintaining unity amidst diversity.