UPAYA MENGHADAPI TANTANGAN ERA NEW NORMAL PADA WARGA MASYARAKAT KAMPUNG KUTA

Abstract

Abstrak: Pandemi COVID-19 membawa dampak besar terhadap berbagai aspek kehidupan masyarakat, termasuk di Kampung Adat Kuta yang terletak di Desa Karangpaningal, Kecamatan Tambaksari, Kabupaten Ciamis. Artikel ini mengkaji upaya masyarakat Kampung Kuta dalam menghadapi tantangan era new normal pasca-pandemi COVID-19, dengan fokus pada perubahan sosial, ekonomi, dan budaya. Sebelum pandemi, masyarakat Kampung Kuta mengandalkan sektor pertanian dan kerajinan tangan sebagai mata pencaharian utama. Namun, pembatasan sosial dan penutupan pasar tradisional mengakibatkan penurunan pendapatan yang signifikan. Di sisi lain, kegiatan budaya dan sosial yang menjadi bagian penting dalam kehidupan mereka, seperti tradisi gotong royong dan upacara adat, terhenti akibat pembatasan interaksi sosial. Setelah pandemi, masyarakat Kampung Kuta mulai beradaptasi dengan new normal dengan menghidupkan kembali tradisi mereka melalui penggunaan teknologi, seperti platform digital untuk menggantikan kegiatan tatap muka. Adaptasi ini menunjukkan bagaimana masyarakat Kampung Kuta mampu mempertahankan identitas budaya mereka sambil beradaptasi dengan perkembangan zaman dan perubahan yang ditimbulkan oleh pandemi. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dengan observasi dan wawancara untuk menggali dinamika perubahan dalam kehidupan sosial, ekonomi, dan budaya masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa meskipun ada tantangan, masyarakat Kampung Kuta tetap menunjukkan ketahanan sosial dan budaya dalam menghadapi perubahan yang ada, menciptakan keseimbangan antara tradisi dan inovasi dalam menjalani kehidupan pasca-pandemi.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on various aspects of community life, including in Kampung Adat Kuta, located in Karangpaningal Village, Tambaksari District, Ciamis Regency. This article examines the efforts made by the people of Kampung Kuta to face the challenges of the post-pandemic new normal era, focusing on social, economic, and cultural changes. Before the pandemic, the people of Kampung Kuta relied on agriculture and handicrafts as their main sources of livelihood. However, social restrictions and the closure of traditional markets led to a significant decrease in income. On the other hand, cultural and social activities, which were an essential part of their life, such as mutual cooperation traditions and ceremonial rites, were halted due to restrictions on social interactions. After the pandemic, the people of Kampung Kuta began to adapt to the new normal by reviving their traditions through the use of technology, such as digital platforms to replace face-to-face activities. This adaptation demonstrates how the people of Kampung Kuta managed to maintain their cultural identity while adapting to the changing times and the transformations brought about by the pandemic. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with observations and interviews to explore the dynamics of change in the social, economic, and cultural life of the community. The findings show that, despite the challenges, the people of Kampung Kuta have demonstrated social and cultural resilience in facing the changes, creating a balance between tradition and innovation in navigating the post-pandemic life.