Kampusmu Dulu Kampungku: Studi Perubahan Lanskap Ekologi Dalam Memori Sosial Orang Kera-Kera

Abstract

Few people know the history behind the establishment of Hasanuddin University’s main campus in Tamalanrea, from its initial planning initiated by Prof. Amiruddin to the construction process. As one of the most prominent universities in Eastern Indonesia, Hasanuddin University has a long history of development and has continued to contribute to social transformation up to the present day. This study applies the perspective of the anthropology of memory to examine how the people of Kera-Kera remember their village in the past, how they perceive the transformation of their village into a university campus, and how they view the campus today. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method based on observations and interviews. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the informants’ lived experiences in the past. The data were analysed using the concepts of the anthropology of memory, social change, and ecological landscape. Three informants were selected through purposive sampling based on predetermined criteria. The findings show that the memories of the Kera-Kera people remain strongly attached to their former village. Some of them can still remember the exact locations of their houses, even though these sites have now been replaced by university buildings. They also recalled their responses to the campus development plan, which required them to sell their land and relocate to new places of residence. The process did not proceed smoothly, as many residents initially refused to surrender their land. Even after many years, some residents still find it difficult to accept the displacement, particularly because several land compensation payments remain unresolved. Nevertheless, they hope that the university will continue to improve, especially in the field of education, and they also expect the university to provide them with employment opportunities in the future.