Increasing the Necessities of Life

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

The Evolution of Aron: From Mutual Cooperation to Wage System in Sugihen Village, Karo Regency

Introduction

The Aron tradition, a form of mutual cooperation in agriculture, has been an integral part of the Karo people's lives in Sugihen Village, Juhar District, Karo Regency. This study aims to examine the change in the concept of Aron, focusing on how it was run in the past and how this system transformed until now. The research uses a cognitive approach to understand how Sugihen people understand Aron, and a processual approach to analyze the factors that trigger Aron transformation.

The Traditional Aron System

In the past, Aron focused on cooperation and assistance (gegeh) in turns, both in fields and rice fields. Aron groups usually consisted of 6-12 people with clear responsibilities. This system was based on mutual cooperation, where members helped each other in times of need. The Aron group was clearly defined, and the number of participants was limited. The compensation for Aron participants was given in the form of labor and sharing yields. Food and beverages for Aron participants were collectively provided by the host.

The Transformation of Aron: From Mutual Cooperation to Wage System

However, Aron at this time, known as "Aron Singemo", has shifted into a money-based wage system. The number of Aron participants is no longer bound, and the Aron group is no longer clearly defined. The compensation for Aron participants is now given in the form of money. The working hours are more limited and structured, and the division of labor is more structured and depends on each other's expertise.

Factors Contributing to the Change in Aron

Several factors have contributed to the change in the concept of Aron in Sugihen Village. These include:

Technological Development: The use of modern agricultural technology has eased the workload and reduced labor needs.
Increasing the Necessities of Life: Increasing the necessities of life has made residents prefer to work in other sectors that provide more promising income.
Shrinking Land Ownership: Increasing population has resulted in increasingly narrow agricultural land, so residents tend to look for additional income by becoming Aron Si Ngemo.

Changes in the Practice of Aron

The changes in the concept of Aron are also reflected in practice. These include:

Number of Aron Groups: In the past, Aron was carried out collectively with group members who were clearly defined. At present, the number of Aron participants is no longer bound, and the Aron group is no longer structured.
Working Hours: Work duration on traditional Aron is longer and flexible, while Aron Singemo has a more limited and structured working hours.
Division of Labor: In traditional Aron, duties and responsibilities are divided evenly among group members. At present, the division of labor is more structured and depends on each other's expertise.
Compensation Form: In the past, Aron compensation is given in the form of labor and sharing yields. At present, compensation is given in the form of money.
Consumption: In the past, food and beverages for Aron participants were collectively provided by the host. Now, consumption is usually no longer the responsibility of the host.
Requirements to be an Aron Participant: First, being an Aron participant is bound to social relations and familiarity. At present, the requirements to be an Aron participant are more flexible and open to anyone who needs labor.

Conclusion

The change in the concept of Aron in Sugihen Village reflects the socio-economic dynamics of the community that continues to develop. Although this change brings consequences, such as the loss of mutual cooperation and familiarity, Aron remains an important part of the lives of Sugihen people. Understanding the process of changing the concept of Aron is very important to preserve the culture and noble values contained in it.

Recommendations

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

Preservation of Traditional Aron: Efforts should be made to preserve the traditional Aron system, which is based on mutual cooperation and assistance.
Education and Awareness: Education and awareness programs should be conducted to inform the community about the importance of preserving the traditional Aron system.
Support for Aron Participants: Support should be provided to Aron participants, particularly those who are struggling to make a living.
Development of Alternative Income Sources: Alternative income sources should be developed to reduce the dependence on Aron Singemo.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. These include:

Limited Sample Size: The sample size of this study is limited, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limited Time Frame: The study only examined the change in the concept of Aron in Sugihen Village over a limited time frame.
Limited Data Collection Methods: The study only used descriptive qualitative methods, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the change in the concept of Aron.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

In-Depth Analysis of the Change in Aron: An in-depth analysis of the change in Aron should be conducted to understand the underlying factors that contributed to this change.
Comparison of Traditional and Modern Aron: A comparison of traditional and modern Aron should be conducted to understand the differences and similarities between the two systems.
Development of Alternative Income Sources: Alternative income sources should be developed to reduce the dependence on Aron Singemo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the change in the concept of Aron in Sugihen Village reflects the socio-economic dynamics of the community that continues to develop. Although this change brings consequences, such as the loss of mutual cooperation and familiarity, Aron remains an important part of the lives of Sugihen people. Understanding the process of changing the concept of Aron is very important to preserve the culture and noble values contained in it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Evolution of Aron in Sugihen Village, Karo Regency

Q: What is Aron, and how has it evolved over time?

A: Aron is a form of mutual cooperation in agriculture that has been an integral part of the Karo people's lives in Sugihen Village, Juhar District, Karo Regency. In the past, Aron focused on cooperation and assistance (gegeh) in turns, both in fields and rice fields. However, Aron at this time, known as "Aron Singemo", has shifted into a money-based wage system.

Q: What are the main factors that have contributed to the change in Aron?

A: Several factors have contributed to the change in the concept of Aron in Sugihen Village. These include technological development, increasing the necessities of life, and shrinking land ownership.

Q: How has the compensation for Aron participants changed over time?

A: In the past, Aron compensation was given in the form of labor and sharing yields. At present, compensation is given in the form of money.

Q: What are the implications of the change in Aron for the community?

A: The change in Aron has brought consequences, such as the loss of mutual cooperation and familiarity. However, Aron remains an important part of the lives of Sugihen people.

Q: What are the recommendations for preserving the traditional Aron system?

A: Efforts should be made to preserve the traditional Aron system, which is based on mutual cooperation and assistance. Education and awareness programs should be conducted to inform the community about the importance of preserving the traditional Aron system.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a limited sample size, a limited time frame, and limited data collection methods.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on the in-depth analysis of the change in Aron, comparison of traditional and modern Aron, and development of alternative income sources.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers and community leaders?

A: This study highlights the importance of preserving traditional systems of cooperation and mutual assistance, such as Aron. Policymakers and community leaders should consider the implications of the change in Aron for the community and develop strategies to preserve the traditional Aron system.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study for other communities?

A: This study has implications for other communities that are facing similar challenges, such as the loss of traditional systems of cooperation and mutual assistance. The findings of this study can be applied to other communities to help them preserve their traditional systems and develop alternative income sources.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting in-depth interviews with key informants, collecting more data on the change in Aron, and analyzing the implications of the change in Aron for the community.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this research for the community?

A: This research has the potential to benefit the community by preserving the traditional Aron system, developing alternative income sources, and promoting mutual cooperation and assistance.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this research?

A: This research may face challenges, such as limited resources, limited access to data, and limited expertise in the field of study.

Q: What are the potential outcomes of this research?

A: The potential outcomes of this research include the preservation of the traditional Aron system, the development of alternative income sources, and the promotion of mutual cooperation and assistance in the community.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research for policymakers and community leaders?

A: This research has implications for policymakers and community leaders, who can use the findings of this study to develop strategies to preserve traditional systems of cooperation and mutual assistance, such as Aron.