ADAPTASI SOSIAL MAHASISWA ETNIS NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR DALAM MENGHADAPI TRIBAL STIGMA DI MASYARAKAT KOTA MALANG

This study aims to analyze the behavior and social adaptation strategies of students of East Nusa Tenggara
(NTT) ethnicity in coping with tribal stigma in the community of Malang City. The background of this study
is based on the social reality that ethnic diversity in a multicultural environment often gives rise to stigma,
prejudice, and discrimination against certain groups, including students of NTT ethnicity. This study employs
a qualitative approach. The research was conducted at Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University (UNITRI) in
Malang with a sample of nine students. The results indicate that NTT ethnic students face various forms of
stigma, such as negative labeling, discrimination in housing access, behavioral stereotypes, and cultural
misunderstandings. In coping with this stigma, the students exhibited various forms of social adaptation,
including emotional regulation, assertive attitudes, and adaptive efforts. Additionally, the adaptation strategies
employed included the formation of internal communities, the use of cross-cultural communication, and the
utilization of social media to build a positive image