Transformation of traditional ceremony as rational choice: A case study of Toraja society in Indonesia

Every ethnicity around the world has a different tradition of funeral ceremony. One of these in Indonesia is called rambu solo' performed by Torajan people in Toraja (or Tana Toraja). Rambu solo' is a traditional funeral ceremony, which aims to respect the spirits in returning to the immortality life with their ancestors. This study thus aims to understand the motives and the decision making process with regards to the chosen form of the rambu solo' ceremony from the rational choice perspective. The study adopts the qualitative approach. Data was collected through indepth interviews and field observations, as well as documentation related with the traditions and culture of Toraja community. The research findings indicate that the motives for social status value did not reflect rational choice. Nevertheless, these factors social status value is the most cited reason why informants chose a certain form of rambu solo' ceremony. On the other hand, it was found that economic motive reflects rational choice. It was, however, the least cited factor by informants on why they chose a certain form of rambu solo' ceremony.