Dispute Resolution: Pentagonal Relationships in the Simalungun Ethnic Group

This article aims to explore and discuss dispute resolutions among the ethnic Simalungun in Indonesia. The
problem is focused on the pentagonal relationship in social structures. The theoretical basis refers to Radcliffe-Brown
structural-functionalism. The data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews. The observed disputes occurred
in four different villages of Haranggaol, Purbatongah, Rayahuluan, and Merekraya. In-depth interviews were conducted
with 18 families involved in the dispute. The focus of disputes includes cultivation boundaries, inheritance rights, theft, and
elopement. The descriptive-qualitative approach is used to analyze problems. The study found that the pentagonal relationship
of the Lima Saodoran structures has roles and functions that span the entire life process. The novelty of the study is that
the structure of Boru, Boru ni Boru, and Sanina are central figures acting as peacemakers to mediate disputes. The study
concludes that the quality of the pentagonal relationship in a resolution lies in the retrospection of functions according to the
primordial position of the structure. The quality of a stable pentagonal relation impacts the stability of the structure, whereas
dysfunction has an impact on structural collapse