Communication Strategies of Traditional Figures in Resolving of Dopofuleighoo (Elopement) Tradition in the Muna Ethnic Community in Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

This research aims to analyze the communication strategies of traditional figures in resolving the dopofuleighoo (elopement) tradition in the Katobu Sub-District, Muna Regency. This research uses a qualitative approach with informants of traditional figures, lebe (Mosque employers), families, and actors, and dopofuleigho marriage officers in Muna Regency, who were selected purposively. Data collection techniques were through in-depth interviews and document studies. While data processing techniques refer to the data processing and preparation model in a qualitative research approach and data analysis techniques refer to domain and taxonomy analysis. The research results showed that traditional figures’ communication strategies in resolving dopofuleighoo (elepoment) tradition in the Muna ethnic community in Muna Regency use an informative and persuasive communication strategy from the beginning to the end. The informative strategy, namely simply conveying information (submission to the bride’s family about the existence of dopofuleighoo while the persuasive strategy is to persuade, invite or influence both the family of the woman and the family of the man when they find problems in the process of settling dopofuleighoo  (when discussing the amount of dowry and fines that must be paid). paid by the prospective groom. Persuasion is also used to influence the prospective woman’s family to accept the girl’s wish to marry her choice because the girl who will carry out domestic life is the girl herself. Therefore, the Munaness traditional figures of the Muna ethnic community maintain communication with various traditional community groups in Muna Regency to do their roles well, even though some people of the Muna ethnic community do not want to do dopofuleighoo tradition.