Understanding Mahar in Nias Culture

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 140 views

Understanding Mahar in Nias Culture

Mahar is an integral part of the culture of marriage in the Nias community, with the size that is often a barrier in the implementation of marriage. In the midst of the times and the increasing cost of living, many Nias women, especially those who work in the informal sector in Padang Bulan, choose to hold marriages outside their area of origin. This is caused by a very high cost of dowry when compared to the magnitude of the dowry overseas. The concept of Boli Gana A, which reflects the view that women seem to be treated like merchandise, is a symbol of gender injustice in Nias custom. As a result, women often have to fight harder to fulfill the responsibilities attached to them, including in terms of dowry payments.

The Significance of Dowry in Nias Culture

In Nias custom, the dowry is a crucial aspect of marriage, and its size can be a significant barrier to marriage. The dowry is often seen as a symbol of the bride's value and worth, and its size can reflect the family's social status and economic standing. The dowry is typically composed of various components, including money, pigs, silver, and gold. The average total dowry in the area of origin can reach around Rp. 30 million, including a ring for the bride and mother, as well as a certain amount of pigs and rice. This high cost of dowry can be a significant burden for many Nias women, especially those who work in the informal sector and have limited financial resources.

Differences in Dowry Procedures between Nias and Outside Nias

The study found significant differences in the procedures for determining the dowry in the area of origin compared to overseas. In Nias, the dowry is typically determined by the family's social status and economic standing, while in Padang Bulan, the dowry is often determined by the couple's financial resources and personal preferences. The study also found that the dowry in Padang Bulan is often lower than in Nias, ranging from Rp. 5 million to Rp. 10 million. This difference in dowry procedures reflects the changing social and economic context of Nias women, who are increasingly seeking to hold marriages outside their area of origin.

The Impact of Dowry on Nias Women

The study found that the dowry has a significant impact on Nias women, particularly in terms of their financial resources and personal freedom. Many Nias women feel pressured to work harder to fulfill the responsibilities attached to them, including in terms of dowry payments. The study also found that Nias women often have limited understanding of the concept of gender justice, which can perpetuate the cycle of gender inequality. However, the study also found that many Nias women recognize the importance of gender justice and are seeking to create a more just balance between women and men in Nias society.

Conclusion

The procedure for determining the dowry among Nias women in Padang Bulan shows dynamics that reflect social and economic changes, and have the potential to increase awareness of the importance of gender justice in the context of marriage. Understanding this shift can be the first step in creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society. The study highlights the need for further research on the impact of dowry on Nias women and the importance of promoting gender justice in Nias culture.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote gender justice in Nias culture: The study highlights the need for promoting gender justice in Nias culture, particularly in terms of the dowry and its impact on Nias women.
Increase awareness of the importance of dowry: The study found that many Nias women have limited understanding of the concept of dowry and its impact on their lives.
Support Nias women in their financial and personal development: The study found that many Nias women feel pressured to work harder to fulfill the responsibilities attached to them, including in terms of dowry payments.
Create a more just balance between women and men in Nias society: The study highlights the need for creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society, particularly in terms of the dowry and its impact on Nias women.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study only interviewed 10 Nias women, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Limited scope: The study only focused on the dowry and its impact on Nias women, and did not explore other aspects of Nias culture and society.
Methodological limitations: The study used qualitative methods, which may not be as effective in capturing the complexities of Nias culture and society.

Future Research Directions

The study highlights several areas for future research, including:

Exploring the impact of dowry on Nias women: The study found that the dowry has a significant impact on Nias women, particularly in terms of their financial resources and personal freedom.
Promoting gender justice in Nias culture: The study highlights the need for promoting gender justice in Nias culture, particularly in terms of the dowry and its impact on Nias women.
Creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society: The study highlights the need for creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society, particularly in terms of the dowry and its impact on Nias women.

Q: What is Mahar in Nias culture?

A: Mahar is an integral part of the culture of marriage in the Nias community, with the size that is often a barrier in the implementation of marriage. It is a dowry that is typically composed of various components, including money, pigs, silver, and gold.

Q: Why is Mahar a significant issue for Nias women?

A: Mahar is a significant issue for Nias women because it can be a significant burden for many women, especially those who work in the informal sector and have limited financial resources. The high cost of Mahar can also perpetuate the cycle of gender inequality in Nias society.

Q: What are the differences in Mahar procedures between Nias and outside Nias?

A: The study found significant differences in the procedures for determining the Mahar in the area of origin compared to overseas. In Nias, the Mahar is typically determined by the family's social status and economic standing, while in Padang Bulan, the Mahar is often determined by the couple's financial resources and personal preferences.

Q: How does Mahar impact Nias women?

A: The study found that Mahar has a significant impact on Nias women, particularly in terms of their financial resources and personal freedom. Many Nias women feel pressured to work harder to fulfill the responsibilities attached to them, including in terms of Mahar payments.

Q: What is the significance of Boli Gana A in Nias culture?

A: Boli Gana A is a concept in Nias culture that reflects the view that women seem to be treated like merchandise. It is a symbol of gender injustice in Nias custom, and highlights the need for promoting gender justice in Nias society.

Q: How can Mahar be reformed to promote gender justice in Nias culture?

A: The study suggests that Mahar can be reformed to promote gender justice in Nias culture by increasing awareness of the importance of dowry and its impact on Nias women. It also recommends supporting Nias women in their financial and personal development, and creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited scope, and methodological limitations. The study only interviewed 10 Nias women, which may not be representative of the larger population.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The study highlights several areas for future research, including exploring the impact of Mahar on Nias women, promoting gender justice in Nias culture, and creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society.

Q: What are the recommendations for promoting gender justice in Nias culture?

A: The study recommends promoting gender justice in Nias culture by increasing awareness of the importance of dowry and its impact on Nias women. It also recommends supporting Nias women in their financial and personal development, and creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society.

Q: How can Mahar be reformed to promote economic development in Nias society?

A: The study suggests that Mahar can be reformed to promote economic development in Nias society by reducing the cost of Mahar and increasing the financial resources of Nias women. It also recommends creating economic opportunities for Nias women, and promoting entrepreneurship and small business development in Nias society.

Q: What are the implications of the study for Nias society?

A: The study has significant implications for Nias society, particularly in terms of promoting gender justice and economic development. It highlights the need for creating a more just balance between women and men in Nias society, and promoting economic opportunities for Nias women.