Last modified: 2025-10-17
Abstract
This article analyzes two pieces of local wisdom (traditional proverbs) from the Flores community in East Nusa Tenggara as a blueprint for social resilience and anti-conflict principles. The two proverbs discussed are the Manggarai proverb, “Nai ca anggit, tuka ca leleng, kudu neka woleng wintuk,” and the Lio tribe proverb, “bou ngere uwi onu mondo ngere tewu owo, boka ngere ki bere ngere ae.”
The Manggarai proverb centers on the philosophy of true brotherhood (Nai and Tuka) rooted in biological unity of origin (breath and womb). This philosophy serves as an anti-conflict principle that emphasizes the rejection of selfishness (woleng wintuk), tolerance between beliefs, and efforts to maintain social harmony.
Meanwhile, the Lio tribe's proverb uses natural symbolism (cassava, sugar cane, reeds, and water) to define collective strength and the continuity of life. Cassava symbolizes energy, sugar cane symbolizes close union, reeds symbolize collective protection, and water symbolizes an unquenchable spirit of mutual cooperation.
Comparatively, these two proverbs show how symbolic elements both biological and natural produce powerful sociocultural functions. Both are not only cultural anchors for the identity of each tribe, but also offer alternative models of social development based on the values of diversity, tolerance, and solidarity. Therefore, this ancestral wisdom proves to be relevant as a vital compass for navigating the challenges of globalization and the dynamics of modern change.