Unveiling the Repressive Culture Towards Female Sexuality: A Critical Communication Ethnography of Sifon Circumcision Rituals in Atoni Pah Meto Ethnic Community

Abstract

ABSTRACT Indonesia’s ethnic-cultural diversity becomes a paradox when perpetuating discriminatory values and harmful practices. Sifon is a circumcision ritual practised by the Atoni Pah Meto ethnic community in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This study examines Sifon as a communication event and uses the critical communication ethnography approach and muted group theory to unveil its repressive cultural elements. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, participant-observers, and document studies. Observing how power, prestige, privilege, and authority systems construct women’s dependent identity and silence them, the authors argue that Sifon-media women are doubly muted from their embodied experiences to enjoy a healthy cultural life.