Interpersonal Communication and Familial Harmony in the Sasak Ngelengkak Marriage Tradition: A Phenomenological Study In Central Lombok, Indonesia

Submitted: 21 Maret 2026 Accepted: 11 May 2026 Published: 2 June 2026 Volume 4 Issue 1 (2026), E ISSN- 2987-968X https://jurnal.tintaemas.id/index.php/JSH/index Interpersonal Communication and Familial Harmony in the Sasak Ngelengkak Marriage Tradition: A Phenomenological Study In Central Lombok, Indonesia Wisri Wisri , Shofiatul Ummah, Siti Raudhatul Jannah, Minan Jauhari Islamic State Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember University, Indonesia, Abstract Ngelengkak is a marriage-related tradition practiced within the Sasak community in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, in which a younger sibling marries before the elder sibling. Although frequently perceived as a culturally sensitive situation, the tradition remains socially accepted through particular forms of Interpersonal Communication and familial negotiation. This study investigates the meanings and Interpersonal Communication patterns embedded in the Ngelengkak tradition within Sasak society. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, this research involved seven participants from the Sasak ethnic community in Central Lombok Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and interpreted using phenomenological analysis to understand participants’ lived experiences and communicative interactions. The findings reveal that the Ngelengkak tradition is sustained through reciprocal two-way Interpersonal Communication characterized by dialogue, emotional negotiation, mutual respect, and collective decision-making among family members. These communication practices function as cultural mechanisms for reducing interpersonal tension, preserving kinship solidarity, and maintaining family harmony despite potential social stigma associated with marriage-order norms. The study further demonstrates that Interpersonal Communication within the Ngelengkak tradition reflects broader Sasak cultural values emphasizing social cohesion, familial respect, and communal balance. This research contributes to intercultural and family communication studies by highlighting how local marriage traditions operate as communicative spaces for negotiating social relationships and cultural continuity in contemporary Indonesian society. Keywords: Interpersonal Communication, Sasak Community, Ngelengkak Tradition, Family Harmony, Marriage Culture. 1. INTRODUCTION Communication constitutes a fundamental aspect of human social life because it serves as the primary medium through which individuals establish relationships, construct meanings, and adapt to their social environment [1]. Through communication, individuals learn the values, norms, and behavioral patterns accepted within society. Without communication, human beings would be unable to develop an adequate social framework for conducting civilized social life. In this context, communication is understood not merely as a process of message exchange, but also as a mechanism for identity formation, maintenance of interpersonal relationships, and conflict resolution within society [1]. Therefore, communication occupies a central position in various cultural practices and local traditions transmitted across generations. Within the field of social communication studies, Interpersonal Communication patterns constitute an essential element in maintaining social order and human relationships. Communication patterns refer to the forms of interaction between communicators and communicants in the process of message delivery, enabling the creation of shared meanings [2]. Two-way Interpersonal Communication allows dialogue, negotiation, and direct feedback among interacting parties. Such communication  Correspondence Address Islamic State Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember University, Indonesia, This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License © Wisri et al. patterns are commonly found in traditional societies that continue to preserve collective values and customary deliberation as the basis for resolving social issues [1]. Consequently, Interpersonal Communication functions not only as a means of transmitting information but also as an instrument for fostering social harmony and family solidarity. One of the indigenous communities in Indonesia that continues to preserve adat-based communication traditions is the Sasak ethnic community on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara [3]. In Sasak social life, customary traditions hold a position parallel to religious values as guiding principles of communal life. One of the traditions still actively preserved is the Merariq tradition, namely the Sasak customary marriage system commonly associated with the practice of “elopement marriage” (kawin lari). This tradition is regarded as a symbol of courage and responsibility for men in establishing a household. Beyond its ritualistic and symbolic dimensions, the Merariq tradition also embodies strong social communication values, as it involves negotiation, deliberation, and intensive interaction between families throughout each stage of the customary marriage process. The Merariq tradition consists of several customary stages, including Emidang (courtship toward marriage), Merangkat (elevating social status through marriage), Besejati (formal notification to authorities), Nuntut Wali (requesting a marriage guardian), and Angkat Janji (customary deliberation between the families of the bride and groom). Among these stages, there exists a customary practice known as Ngelengkak, referring to a situation in which a younger sibling marries before the older sibling. Within the Sasak customary perspective, this condition is considered a violation of social ethics, requiring the groom’s family to fulfill certain customary sanctions (H, interview, January 4, 2024). These sanctions may include traditional clothing, keris, customary objects, or monetary compensation based on agreements between the families and local customary leaders. Nevertheless, Ngelengkak is not merely perceived as a form of punishment, but rather as a symbolic expression of respect toward the older sibling who has been “preceded” in the order of marriage. The implementation of the Ngelengkak tradition involves complex customary communication processes, particularly during the Sorong Serah Aji Krama and Penyongkolan ceremonies. Sorong Serah Aji Krama refers to the ceremonial transfer of customary values and responsibilities from the bride’s family to the groom’s family, symbolizing the legitimacy of marriage within Sasak adat tradition (Junaidi, interview, January 4, 2024). Meanwhile, Penyongkolan https://doi.org/10.59535/jsh.v4i1.654 Journal of Social and Humanities 4 (1) (2026), pp. 11-20 constitutes the ceremonial procession accompanying the married couple and customary delegates. During these ceremonies, communication is conducted by customary spokespersons known as Pembayun, who possess extensive knowledge regarding Sasak customary law, kinship lineage, and the s (...truncated)