Pandora's Box in Mappalili: Exploring Environmental Rhetoric and Cultural Communication in the Bugis Community

Abstract

This study discusses the relationship between the concept of "Pandora's Box" and the Mappalili tradition in the context of environmental rhetoric and cultural communication of the Bugis community located in Segeri District, Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, South Sulawesi. The main problem revealed is how ignoring or changing the Mappalili tradition can open up the potential for unwanted negative environmental impacts, as if opening a "Pandora's Box" in the balance of the local ecosystem. The method used in this study is environmental rhetoric analysis with indicators of Community Awareness and Participation, Coordination and Communication, and Cultural Values. This study uses a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and participatory observation in the Bissu group. The data obtained were then analyzed using environmental rhetoric theory to understand the role of symbolism and cultural practices in maintaining the balance of nature. The results of the study indicate that Mappalili functions as an effective environmental communication tool, maintaining the sustainability of the ecosystem through cultural values. When this tradition is disturbed, the potential for environmental risks increases, proving the importance of preserving tradition as part of an environmental communication strategy.