THE MEANING OF BELIS VALUES IN THE CULTURE OF MARRIAGE IN SIKKA REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of belis which is a marriage culture in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara and describe it in the context of accounting, especially related to determining the amount of belis value. This study is a qualitative study using an ethnographic approach. Data collection techniques used are observation, direct interviews and documentation. The results of this study found that the price determination process contained in belis is very different from the price determination process in conventional accounting, because there are various values that form belis that are different from the price formation process in accounting. This study also found four meanings of the amount of belis value contained in the process of determining the price of belis, first as an award and gratitude, second as a form of affection, third as a form of bond, fourth the amount of belis can cause debt. The price itself is not only determined based on material, but the price has a different meaning when viewed from the perspective of the Maumere Community.