The Role of Baduy Tribe Leaders and the Implementation of COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccination

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the role of the Baduy tribal leaders in implementing the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination. Methodology: use a qualitative ethnographic design which is expected to analyze and even examine the wisdom of the Baduy Tribe such as culture, law norms, customs, habits, or beliefs that influence the implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination. The data collection was carried out from September 16 to October 14, 2021, from in-depth interviews with 7 subjects through in-depth interviews, observations, document analysis, and direct visits to the location of the Baduy Tribe. The collected data is analyzed by identifying the themes and subthemes, selecting them, and analyzing and synthesizing to get conclusions. Results: the traditional leaders of the Baduy or Puun tribes and the leadership of the Kanekes or Jaro Village governments implemented: a) the prescribed role which gave the Baduy people the opportunity to take part in the health protocol and vaccination program; b) implementing the enacted role or the role of customary head to implement deliberation before making a decision which is a characteristic that cannot be changed by anyone. The enacted role dominates decision-making more than the prescribed role. The practical implication: with an approach from the heart to the leadership of the Baduy tribe, the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination program has finally been accepted and implemented by the Baduy Tribe community.