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| Illustration - A shopping district in Makassar in the early 20th century. Foto: KITLV Collection/Daenggassing.com |
Dissertation - "The Dialectic of Space and the Process of Social Production in Makassar," earned Ahmadin a doctorate in a promotional event held on Thursday, December 8th, in the LT room of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Hasanuddin University. The dissertation presented the results of a sociological study of ethnic settlements in several areas of Makassar. These areas include Kampung Melayu, Kampung Maluku, Kampung Cina (Chinatown), Kampung Wajo, and several other areas.
In his dissertation, Ahmadin explained the process of settlement change in Makassar, marked by the emergence of artificial settlements. He described how these settlements, initiated by hegemonic groups, have disrupted the ethnically distinct social fabric of Makassar. Distinct settlements have emerged, such as housing complexes and elite buildings, occupied by higher-class groups and immigrants. This situation has transformed societal traditions from a humanistic and solid society to a more individualistic one. Many ethnic spaces have been displaced, and relational ties between communities have disappeared.
These residential areas have changed the government's paradigm regarding cultural space. The meaning of a space, he explained, is always assessed from an economic perspective. In his dissertation, Ahmadin, who frequently writes for various print media, explains the effort to build regional organizations as a solution. Social organizations are considered capable of generating social spaces, which can foster social relations within communities.
In his remarks, Ahmadin thanked the promoter who led his doctoral promotion, Prof. T.R. Andi Lolo, PhD; co-promoter Prof. Dr. Darmawan Salman, MS; and Prof. Dr. Dwia Ariestina, MA. "I also respectfully express my gratitude to Prof. Dr. Tahir Kasnawi, Prof. Dr. Pawennari Hijjang, MA, Prof. Dr. M. Kausar Bailusy, MA, and Prof. Abdul Salam, each of whom served as examiners," he said. (*)
*Source: Fajar Daily, December 9, 2011.
