Family Communication in the Mentawai Indigenous Community: Fostering Children's Educational Motivation and Social Practices

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Mentawai indigenous communities have demonstrated an increasing paradigm shift toward prioritizing formal education as a response to evolving socio-economic challenges. This qualitative descriptive study investigates how family communication dynamics foster academic motivation, focusing on the Sikerei (Aman Lepon) family. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation, the research identifies this household as a “Concensual Family” type, characterized by dialogical interaction, transparency, and the transmission of values emphasizing intergenerational advancement. The findings reveal that strategic social practices – such as structured academic supervision, the alignment of agricultural labor with school schedules, and consistent emotional reinforcement – are instrumental in sustaining educational drive. Ultimately, the study concludes that internal family communication serves as a vital strategic asset. It empowers indigenous families to navigate geographical isolation and economic constraints, ensuring that educational attainment remains a primary vehicle for social and cultural resilience.