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This study aims to describe and analyze the understanding of the faithful and the implementation of Eucharistic liturgical gestures at Saint Christopher Parish, Siborongborong. Liturgical gestures such as the sign of the cross, standing, sitting, kneeling, and striking the chest are essential elements of active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. These gestures are not just physical actions but carry profound spiritual significance. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the faithful’s understanding of the symbolic meaning of these gestures remains limited, which leads to a tendency to perform them mechanically without deep spiritual reflection. This lack of understanding results in a disconnect between the physical actions and their intended spiritual effects. Nevertheless, in practice, the faithful generally follow these gestures in accordance with the liturgical norms of the Church. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for continuous and contextual liturgical formation programs. These programs should aim to deepen the awareness and spiritual engagement of the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration, ensuring that the gestures are not just performed but fully understood and internalized.

This study examines the eco-eschatological dimensions embedded in the myths and traditions of pante among the Manggarai people of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The pante tradition is not merely understood as an economic activity involving the tapping and processing of palm sap, but also as a cultural practice that embodies ecological, spiritual, social, and ethical values. Through this tradition, the Manggarai people maintain a harmonious relationship with nature and recognize their responsibility toward the environment as part of a sacred cosmic order. This study employs a qualitative approach based on literature review and hermeneutical-theological analysis to explore the symbolic meanings and theological implications of the pante myth. The findings reveal that the pante myth reflects the Manggarai people’s cosmological worldview, in which nature is regarded as a living and sacred reality that must be respected and protected. Furthermore, the tradition promotes an ethic of sustainability that discourages excessive exploitation of natural resources and encourages balance between human needs and environmental preservation. From an eco-eschatological perspective, the pante tradition represents a vision of hope for the restoration of relationships among humans, nature, and God, anticipating the fulfillment of the “new heaven and new earth.” Therefore, this study affirms that Manggarai local wisdom provides a valuable contribution to the development of contextual, ecological, and sustainable theology in contemporary society.

Fahombo (Hombo Batu) is a cultural heritage of the South Nias people that not only displays visual beauty and symbolic meaning, but also contains educational values for character building for the younger generation. This study aims to explore the pedagogical aspects contained within it while examining its relevance to the integration of arts and culture in holistic learning in the modern era. A qualitative approach with descriptive methods was chosen to understand the meaning, function, and educational messages that are alive and passed down through this cultural practice. Data collection was conducted through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving traditional leaders, parents, and actively participating youth. Analysis was carried out through stages of reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions by applying triangulation of sources and techniques to ensure the validity of the findings. The results of the study indicate the existence of character-building values such as courage, discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and social solidarity. Furthermore, this activity reflects a comprehensive learning process because it involves the physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural dimensions in an integrated manner. These findings confirm that local wisdom can be utilized as a relevant contextual learning resource to develop a holistic education model that is adaptive to current developments while rooted in cultural identity.

This study aimed to determine the effect of coffee husk waste application and shallot extract soaking on the growth of cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) cuttings. The research employed a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of two factors with 48 experimental plots. The first factor was the application of coffee husk waste, symbolized as “L,” with four treatment levels: L0 = 0 g/polybag (without coffee husk waste), L1 = 75 g/polybag, L2 = 150 g/polybag, and L3 = 225 g/polybag. The second factor was shallot extract soaking, symbolized as “B,” with four treatment levels: B0 = 0 ml/L of water, B1 = 5 ml/L of water, B2 = 10 ml/L of water, and B3 = 15 ml/L of water. Thus, there were 16 treatment combinations with three replications. The observed parameters included time to shoot emergence, number of shoots, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and survival percentage. The results showed that the application of coffee husk waste and shallot extract soaking had no significant effect on the growth of cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) cuttings across all observed parameters.

Environmental damage caused by human activities has become an increasingly pressing global issue. Poetry as a literary work has the power to represent ecological problems symbolically and critically. This study aims to describe the representation of the impact of the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems, namely "Menengajah Ke Atas, Merenungi Ozone yang Tak terlihat" and "Membaca Tanda-Tanda." The analysis is based on Greg Garrard's ecocritical study. This study uses a qualitative method with content analysis techniques. There are two stages of analysis, namely the literal and symbolic meaning of the poems, then an ecocritical interpretation is carried out based on Garrard's categories which include pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, animals, and earth. The results of the study indicate that both poems represent the impact of the environmental crisis through health problems due to pollution and radiation, damage to water and forest ecosystems, climate change, threats to human living space, and the decline in biodiversity. The research findings also show that the most dominant categories are pollution and apocalypse, which confirms that the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems is the result of human behavior that ignores nature. Thus, Taufiq Ismail's poems not only function as aesthetic works, but also as cultural criticism and moral warnings for humanity.

Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, one of which is Javanese culture which is full of philosophical values ​​and symbolic meanings in every practice, including in the traditional wedding procession. One of the important rituals in Javanese traditional weddings is the Panggih Manten ritual, which represents the meeting between the bride and groom with various symbols of life, hope and blessings. Along with the development of the times and the flow of modernization, people's understanding of the philosophical meaning of the ritual has shifted. Some people still carry out this tradition as a hereditary custom without understanding the values ​​contained in it, even giving rise to debates regarding its suitability with Islamic teachings. This study aims to analyze the practice of the Panggih Manten ritual in Javanese traditional wedding traditions and review its suitability with the 'Urf argument in Islamic law. The research method used is qualitative with a juridical-normative approach, while the research location was carried out in Pengkol village, Mantingan District. The results of the study show that the Panggih Manten ritual is basically acceptable in Islamic law as long as it does not conflict with the principles of sharia. Based on analysis from the perspective of al-'urf, several aspects of the Panggih Manten ritual, such as muter asem (the act of making offerings), and the belief in disasters, contain elements that are inconsistent with Islamic law and could potentially lead to idolatry, thus being categorized as al-'urf al-fāsid. Therefore, the Panggih Manten tradition can be preserved through reinterpretation of its meaning and the elimination of elements that contradict Islamic teachings, thus aligning it with Islamic principles.

This research is driven by the significance of examining language meaning, particularly connotative meaning which is often used to convey implicit messages in literary works. Folktales, as one type of oral literature, often utilize character names that carry specific meanings, such as Malin Kundang from Minangkabau. The aim of this research is to uncover the connotative meaning of the character name “Malin Kundang”, as well as its relationship with the moral and cultural values of the society. The methodology involves qualitative research using semantic analysis and a descriptive approach. Data were collected from the Malin Kundang folktale text thru library study and documentation techniques. Next, the processes of identification, classification, and interpretation of meaning were done in order to examine the data. The research result show that denotatively, the name Malin Kundang only functions as the identity of the character, but connotatively, it functions as a symbol of a disobedient child who does not respect their parents. The meaning is formed from the plot of the story and reinforced by the Minangkabau cultural values that uphold respect for parents. The implications of this research indicate that the naming of characters in folklore is not only linguistic but also reflects the moral and cultural values inherited by society.

The tradition of marriage gift money (uang hantaran) in the Malay community of Melibur Village, Talang Muandau District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, remains a customary practice preserved as a symbol of respect for the bride’s family and a sign of the groom’s seriousness. However, over time, its meaning has shifted toward materialism, as the amount is often determined by social status, educational background, and family prestige, potentially causing economic burdens, psychological pressure, delays, and even the cancellation of marriages. This study aims to describe the practice of uang hantaran and formulate an Islamic legal reconstruction of the tradition in accordance with the principle of simplicity. This research is a field research employing a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and were analyzed descriptively and analytically using the maslahahmursalah approach in Islamic law. The findings indicate that the practice of uang hantaran in Melibur Village is still maintained as part of local custom; however, its implementation has shifted from a symbolic function to a materialistic one, resulting in economic pressure on the groom’s family, psychological burdens on prospective spouses, and delays in marriage. From the perspective of maslahahmursalah, uang hantaran may be categorized as maslahahhajiyyah when determined flexibly and without imposing hardship, but it becomes mafsadah when the amount is excessive and causes harm. Therefore, the reconstruction of Islamic law regarding this tradition emphasizes that uang hantaran is not a legal requirement for marriage but rather a complementary customary practice whose determination should be based on deliberation, mutual consent, economic capability, and the principle of simplicity (taysir), so that it does not hinder the objectives of marriage in Islam.

This study aims to analyze exegetically and socio-historically the text of Deuteronomy 21:10–14 concerning the treatment of female war captives in ancient Israel. This passage has often been debated as it is perceived to reflect a patriarchal system, thus requiring a comprehensive interpretation to understand its original intent. This research employs a qualitative approach based on library research, utilizing textual exegesis, historical-critical, and literary analysis of the Hebrew text, as well as an examination of the Ancient Near Eastern context. The findings reveal that the legal structure of the text is progressive and regulatory in nature, not legitimizing exploitation but rather restricting male behavior through specific procedures, including a mourning period and a process of social transition for the captive woman. The analysis of Hebrew terminology highlights symbolic meanings related to status transformation, purification, and recognition of the woman's humanity. In its socio-historical context, this law differs significantly from common practices in the Ancient Near East, which often exploited war captives, by imposing limitations on economic and social exploitation and providing a degree of protection. Theologically, the text reflects the function of the Mosaic law as a regulatory framework that introduces justice and humanity within a complex social reality. Therefore, Deuteronomy 21:10–14 is best understood as an ethical effort to limit inhumane practices rather than to endorse them.

This study is motivated by the limited public understanding of the symbolic meaning of properties used in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang, where most audiences merely enjoy the performance without recognizing the cultural values embedded within it. This research aims to examine and explain the symbolic meanings of the properties used in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang as performed at Sanggar Seni Kaloka Pemalang. The method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach using semiotic analysis based on Charles Sanders Peirce, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the performance structure of the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang consists of three main parts: the opening, the core, and the closing, supported by various elements such as theme, movement, performers, makeup, costume, musical accompaniment, stage setting, and properties. The semiotic analysis reveals that the symbolic meaning of the properties can be understood through the relationship between representamen, object, and interpretant. The main property, the irus (ladle), functions as a symbol that not only represents the act of scooping Grombyang soup but also carries a belief-related meaning as a bringer of fortune in trading activities. In conclusion, the properties in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang serve not only as aesthetic elements but also as a medium of symbolic communication that reflects cultural, social, and belief values within the community. Therefore, they are important to be preserved and more deeply understood by the public.

Early reading skills are visual activities that involve the process of translating written symbols into sounds. Children's early reading skills will be developed through learning media that are appropriate to the child's developmental stage. This study aims to identify the need for developing pop-up syllabic learning media to improve the early reading skills of children aged 5-6 years. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Identification of needs is based on three aspects, namely learning media, learning strategies, and analysis of early reading skills. The subjects of this study consisted of 3 teachers and the principal of Kindergarten Al Falah Islamic Kindergarten, Pelita Doktora Kindergarten, and Rizani Putra Kindergarten. Data collection techniques used were interviews and documentation. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles Huberman Technique which includes the stages of data collection, data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions/verification. The results of the study indicate that identification of needs is based on three aspects, namely learning media, learning strategies and analysis of early reading skills. In identifying learning media, it is necessary to develop interesting learning media. Then, in identifying learning strategies, a fun strategy is needed to achieve children's beginning reading skills, and is child-centered. Meanwhile, the analysis of children's beginning reading skills revealed the need for pop-up book media to improve children's relevant beginning reading skills.

Environmental damage caused by human activities has become an increasingly pressing global issue. Poetry as a literary work has the power to represent ecological problems symbolically and critically. This study aims to describe the representation of the impact of the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems, namely "Menengajah Ke Atas, Merenungi Ozone yang Tak terlihat" and "Membaca Tanda-Tanda." The analysis is based on Greg Garrard's ecocritical study. This study uses a qualitative method with content analysis techniques. There are two stages of analysis, namely the literal and symbolic meaning of the poems, then an ecocritical interpretation is carried out based on Garrard's categories which include pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, animals, and earth. The results of the study indicate that both poems represent the impact of the environmental crisis through health problems due to pollution and radiation, damage to water and forest ecosystems, climate change, threats to human living space, and the decline in biodiversity. The research findings also show that the most dominant categories are pollution and apocalypse, which confirms that the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems is the result of human behavior that ignores nature. Thus, Taufiq Ismail's poems not only function as aesthetic works, but also as cultural criticism and moral warnings for humanity.

 The ecological crisis calls for faith formation that can foster contextual ecological awareness among the faithful. One relevant approach is through catechesis that integrates local wisdom, such as the Batang Garing symbol in Dayak culture. This study aims to explore the ecological values embedded in the Batang Garing symbol and to reflect on them in the light of Church teachings in order to formulate a contextual ecological catechesis model. The method used is qualitative research with a literature study approach, employing descriptive-analytical and comparative analysis of theological and cultural sources. The findings show that Batang Garing contains values of relationality, cosmic balance, and moral responsibility that are aligned with the concept of integral ecology in Church teachings. The integration of these values into catechesis enables a more contextual, communicative, and transformative faith formation. The implication of this study highlights the importance of developing catechetical models based on local culture as an effective means to foster ecological awareness among the faithful and to encourage concrete actions in caring for creation as an expression of faith.

This study examines the directing approach in portraying the process of character formation through a video feature titled “Ballet: Repetitive Steps, a Formed Self.” The research is grounded in the phenomenon of instant culture in contemporary digital society, which tends to prioritize rapid outcomes over gradual processes. The objective of this study is to explore how directing strategies can construct repetitive ballet training as a meaningful visual narrative that reflects discipline, consistency, and perseverance. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a practice-based approach, where data are collected through observation, documentation, and the creative production process. The findings indicate that directing elements, including shot composition, rhythm, and audio-visual integration, play a significant role in transforming repetitive movements into a dynamic and progressive narrative. Repetition is not merely presented as a technical exercise but as a symbolic process of character development. The study also reveals that visual storytelling can effectively communicate reflective meanings and engage audiences emotionally. The implication of this research suggests that audiovisual works, particularly video features, can serve as a medium to challenge instant-oriented perspectives by emphasizing the value of process in personal development.

The development of documentary films in Indonesia has encouraged the need for presenting reality in an informative manner while maintaining strong visual quality. Documentary films were no longer viewed merely as a medium for recording facts, but also as a creative medium capable of delivering social messages through a cinematic approach. Cinematography became an important element because it played a role in constructing meaning, atmosphere, and viewing experience through well-directed visual management. This study discussed the management of cinematographic elements by the Director of Photography in the documentary film “Mindful Sip: Matcha Beyond The Trend”, which raised the phenomenon of increasing matcha consumption as part of the lifestyle trend among young people. The method used was a creative approach based on expository documentary through the stages of pre-production, production, and post-production. The entire creation process was focused on concept planning, image capturing, and visual as well as narrative refinement so that the documentary message could be conveyed effectively. The results showed that matcha had developed into a symbol of a healthy, productive, and aesthetic lifestyle, yet awareness of responsible consumption was often neglected. The management of camera angle, camera movement, type of shot, and composition was proven to strengthen visual representation and help audiences understand the phenomenon more critically. Therefore, cinematography played an important role not only in producing attractive visuals, but also in clarifying the documentary’s message regarding the relationship between consumption trends and bodily experience.

The Brokohan Sapi tradition in Tempursari Village, Donomulyo District, Malang Regency represents a form of local wisdom that embodies cultural and symbolic values through the use of ubo rampe. This study aims to describe the forms, meanings, and cultural values of ubo rampe in the Brokohan Sapi tradition. The study employs a qualitative method with a symbolic anthropological approach as proposed by Clifford Geertz. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using an interactive analysis technique involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that ubo rampe is systematically arranged in the form of food offerings, including core dishes, complementary dishes, and spiritual elements. Each component of ubo rampe carries symbolic meanings related to gratitude, safety, fertility, and hopes for prosperity. The cultural values embedded in the tradition include religious, social, ecological, economic, and philosophical values that are integrated into ritual practices. The implications of this study indicate that the Brokohan Sapi tradition functions as a medium for cultural preservation and can be utilized as a local wisdom-based learning resource in Indonesian language and literature education.

A faith-based marriage strengthening program is essential for building family resilience in urban congregations facing high divorce rates and declining marital quality. This community service activity aimed to revitalize the marital bonds of 22 couples in the Pria Sejati Bandung community and GPPS Agape Bandung congregation through the "Reborn Marriage" program. Using a participatory action research approach, a team of 12 facilitators implemented three main stages: initial coordination to identify needs and plan together with the community; an intensive one-day intervention consisting of teachings on grace, agape love, and divine purpose of marriage, along with testimony sharing, footwashing ritual, and gift giving; and a marriage commitment renewal ceremony. The results showed 100% attendance rate of all registered couples, active participation in every coaching session, and qualitative findings from focus group discussions including renewed spiritual intimacy, mutual forgiveness between spouses, and alignment of marital visions based on divine values. A total of 86% of couples expressed willingness to participate in regular follow-up mentoring, and local leaders emerged among participants who are ready to facilitate small groups after the program. Discussions confirmed that combining biblical teachings on agape love with experiential symbolic rituals can holistically transform marital relationships. This community-based intervention proves replicable in other local communities and churches in urban settings, especially those seeking to strengthen family resilience through integrated pastoral care and participatory action.

Cultural education plays a vital role in fostering children’s creative thinking skills. Batik, as Indonesia’s cultural heritage, embodies artistic values, symbols, and life meanings that can be utilized as a medium of learning. This study aims to describe the implementation of batik-based cultural education in enhancing the creativity of Indonesian children at Sanggar Bimbingan Al Ikhlas Sungai Penchala, Malaysia. The research method employed is qualitative with a case study design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that batik activities improve children’s ability to generate ideas, select colors, and create patterns based on imagination. Moreover, children demonstrate increased confidence in expressing ideas through artwork. Teachers serve as facilitators who guide, motivate, and provide examples during the creative process. The conclusion indicates that batik-based cultural education enhances creativity, self-confidence, and cultural identity awareness among Indonesian children living abroad. This study contributes to the discourse on cultural education by highlighting batik as an effective medium for creative learning and identity development in diaspora contexts.

The rapid development of communication technology has spurred public demand for smartphones, particularly iPhones, seen as a symbol of prestige and advanced technology. This high demand has been exploited by unscrupulous business actors who distribute parallel import (black market) iPhones that are not officially registered, posing risks to consumers. This study examines the legal protection procedures for consumers, the legal standing of consumers in black market iPhone transactions, and the liability of business actors under Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection (UUPK). Using a normative legal research method, the study employs statutory and conceptual approaches, analyzing primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. The findings indicate that consumer protection can be achieved through preventive measures such as public education and information transparency, and repressive measures via dispute resolution mechanisms, both in court and through the Consumer Dispute Settlement Agency (BPSK). Consumers' legal rights are acknowledged, though they remain vulnerable due to the purchase of illegal goods. Business actors may be held liable for product liability, including the obligation to provide accurate information and face sanctions. In conclusion, consumer protection in black market iPhone transactions remains insufficient, and stronger enforcement is necessary.

Indonesian fashion SMEs have significant export opportunities, but their export performance remains suboptimal as not all businesses are able to convert innovation, digitalisation, and market orientation into tangible international competitiveness. This study aims to analyse the determinants of Indonesian fashion SMEs’ export performance from the perspectives of the Resource-Based View and Internationalisation Theory. The study employs an explanatory quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 owners or key managers of fashion SMEs in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SEM-PLS. Simulation results indicate that internal capabilities, international market orientation, and access to international networks have a positive influence on competitive advantage, whilst competitive advantage has a positive influence on export performance. Internal capabilities and access to international networks also demonstrate a significant direct influence on export performance, whilst international market orientation is not directly significant but operates through competitive advantage. The implication is that strategies to boost fashion SME exports should focus on strengthening innovation, quality, brand differentiation, and international market networks, rather than merely on symbolic digital adoption.