Sci&Tech History

How do communities accept technology? From observations in the field, the problem is not only influenced by the technology performance, but also influenced by the culture and geographic specific character. By comparing three societies in Makki-Papua, Sampit-Central Kalimantan, and Subang-West Java, it is observed that efficiency of technology can be achieved if the research conducted, both in science and social sciences.

In Makki for example, new abilities that Makki people gains from the training can’t be optimezed because of the geographic condition which barriered the targeted market. The situation is quite different in Sampit. As a rich area, the people of Sampit depends their life from the environment without effort to converse. In this community, the problem is not about tool to increase their income, but the consciousness of environment sustainability. The third is Subang. As a relatively more open and developed area, people of Subang acceptance of technology is based on the technology performance to gain income.

Credit: This writing is based on research report by Savitri Dyah and Carolina in Teknologi Tepat Guna, LIPI, 2005.

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