Minahasan Cultural Ambivalence in Manado Malay Poetry Cap Tikus Blues: An Analysis of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Elements

Abstract

This study aims to describe the reflection of Minahasan culture in the Manado Malay poem Cap Tikus Blues by Freddy Wowor through intrinsic and extrinsic analysis. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method using structuralism and the sociology of literature approaches. The data consisted of the poem Cap Tikus Blues, which was analyzed through reading, observation, and note-taking techniques. The findings reveal that, intrinsically, the poem is constructed through repetitive patterns, the use of distinctive Manado Malay diction, the symbols of cap tikus and blood, and a tone that shifts from humor to irony, criticism, and tragedy. These elements collectively establish the poem's central theme of cultural ambivalence, representing the dual aspects of the cap tikus drinking tradition in Minahasan society. Extrinsically, the poem reflects several aspects of Minahasan culture, including social solidarity, masculinity, humor, and the use of Manado Malay as a marker of cultural identity. The study demonstrates that cap tikus functions not only as a symbol of togetherness and social identity but also as a symbol that criticizes alcohol consumption practices that may lead to behavioral changes, aggression, and social conflict. Therefore, Cap Tikus Blues serves not only as a medium for cultural reflection but also as a form of social criticism toward cultural practices that have become normalized in society