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Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

Abstract

This article aims to explore and discuss dispute resolutions among the ethnic Simalungun in Indonesia. The problem is focused on the pentagonal relationship in social structures. The theoretical basis refers to Radcliffe-Brown structural-functionalism. The data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews. The observed disputes occurred in four different villages of Haranggaol, Purbatongah, Rayahuluan, and Merekraya. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 families involved in the dispute. The focus of disputes includes cultivation boundaries, inheritance rights, theft, and elopement. The descriptive-qualitative approach is used to analyze problems. The study found that the pentagonal relationship of the Lima Saodoran structures has roles and functions that span the entire life process. The novelty of the study is that the structure of Boru, Boru ni Boru, and Sanina are central figures acting as peacemakers to mediate disputes. The study concludes that the quality of the pentagonal relationship in a resolution lies in the retrospection of functions according to the primordial position of the structure. The quality of a stable pentagonal relation impacts the stability of the structure, whereas dysfunction has an impact on structural collapse.

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