Publication Search

The formation of spiritual maturity within Christian families is often misunderstood as a result of chronological age or the length of one’s Christian experience. This literature study emphasizes that spiritual maturity is not determined by age, but by a continuous process of faith formation through biblical knowledge, spiritual practices, lifestyle modeling, and character transformation. Using library research methods, this study analyzes primary and secondary literature related to the role of families, stages of faith development, and the collaborative role of the church in spiritual formation. The findings reveal that the family serves as the central foundation of faith formation, requiring the active involvement of parents in Bible reading, prayer, ethical guidance, and moral example. Furthermore, spiritual maturity is influenced by developmental stages that do not necessarily correspond to biological age. The church functions as a collaborative partner that supports family spiritual growth through teaching, ministry involvement, and pastoral guidance. This study concludes that spiritual maturity is reflected in character and actions rather than ritual participation alone, and it recommends strengthening family-based faith education and cooperation with the church as a foundation for authentic spiritual growth.

This study discusses the practice and meaning of Sholawat Amrik as a living tradition that develops in the Ahlus Shafa wal Wafa Islamic Boarding School, Sidoarjo, East Java. Sholawat Amrik is not only practiced in a series of formal ritual worship, but also is present continuously in the daily lives of students and worshippers, such as before meals, after prayers, in routine recitations, and various other collective spiritual activities. This shows that prayer is understood not just as a verbal reading, but as a religious practice that is alive and integrated with the daily pattern of Islamic boarding schools. This study aims to analyze the role of Sholawat Amrik in the process of internalizing religious values, strengthening spirituality, forming religious habits, and strengthening social relations in the pesantren community. The research approach used is qualitative with phenomenological methods, through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Data analysis was carried out by linking the findings to Glock and Stark's theory of religiosity, Charles Duhigg's theory of habit formation, and the concept of tazkiyatun nafs in the Sufism tradition of Imam al-Ghazali. The results of the study show that Sholawat Amrik has theological-spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions that contribute to purification of the soul, inner peace, and community solidarity. This practice forms a sustainable religious habit through a cue–routine–reward pattern, so that it becomes an integral part of the lifestyle of students and can be understood as a sufistic heritage that remains relevant in the modern era.

This study examines the implementation of the Manak Salah tradition in Padang Bulia Customary Village from the perspectives of legal certainty and human rights protection. Manak Salah is a customary practice associated with the birth of opposite-sex twins, which in Balinese Hindu cosmology is considered a sacred event that may disrupt the balance between the sekala and niskala realms, thereby requiring purification rituals. Although the contemporary practice of this tradition has become more humane and no longer involves social exclusion, its regulation remains unwritten and has not been formally codified in the village’s Awig-awig (customary law). This condition creates the risk of multiple interpretations, legal uncertainty, and insufficient protection of the rights of children and affected families. This research employs an empirical juridical method with a qualitative approach, using interviews with customary leaders, field observations, and document analysis of statutory regulations and customary legal sources. The findings reveal that the absence of written norms causes the implementation of Manak Salah to rely heavily on the discretion of customary authorities, leading to potential inconsistency and normative vulnerability. This study emphasizes the urgency of codifying the Manak Salah tradition into the Awig-awig as a form of customary law reform aimed at ensuring legal certainty, strengthening institutional accountability within customary villages, and harmonizing customary law with Bali Provincial Regulation No. 4 of 2019 and fundamental human rights principles.

The purpose of this study is to determine how the social behavior of the Margoagung Village Community, especially Ngino Hamlet, preserves local wisdom inherited from the ancestors of Mbah Bregas, particularly in building community harmony. This field research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. This research was conducted by taking a case study in Ngino Hamlet, Margoagung Village, Seyegan Sub-district, Sleman Regency from June to July 2025. The informants of this study were the leaders, committees, traditional figures, and all parties involved and witnessed directly the Merti activities of Margoagung Village. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through four stages, namely: data documentation, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions/verification. The study findings show that the entire series of Merti activities of Mbah Bregas Village, Margoagung Village build community harmony through participation, cooperation, and mutual cooperation without distinguishing religion, ethnicity, race, social strata, and profession.

This study examines the integration of Irau cultural values into Catholic Church ministry in Malinau through the approach of inculturation. The Irau festival, as a cultural heritage of the Dayak community, contains social and spiritual values such as togetherness, brotherhood, and gratitude. The study employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, analyzing Catholic Church documents, literature on inculturation theology, anthropiological studies on Dayak culture, and publications related to Malinau. The results indicate that integrating Irau cultural elements, such as music, dance, and traditional symbols that align with Catholic teaching, can enrich liturgy and pastoral ministry. This inculturation helps Catholics experience their faith contextually while respecting their cultural identity. A selective process is necessary to purify cultural elements that conflict with faith, enabling the Church to be an integral part of Malinau society.

The tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an is one of the religious practices that is alive and thriving among Indonesian Muslims, especially during Ramadan in preparation for Eid al-Fitr. In Kampung Pos Sentul, this tradition is carried out collectively by the community as a form of gratitude for the completion of fasting and as a means of strengthening Islamic brotherhood. This study aims to examine the tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an from the perspective of living hadith, which is to see how the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is understood, internalized, and manifested in the social-religious practices of the community. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach, through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the tradition of mohataman Al-Qur'an is based on the community's understanding of the hadiths about the virtues of reading the Qur'an, the encouragement to increase acts of worship during Ramadan, and the importance of togetherness in doing good. This tradition is not only ritualistic in nature, but also has social, educational, and spiritual dimensions that strengthen the religious identity of the Pos Sentul Village community. Thus, mohataman Al-Qur'an can be understood as a form of actualization of hadith in real life that continues to live on and is passed down from generation to generation.

This study is entitled “The Ecofeminist Movement of Mollo Indigenous Women in Rejecting Marble Mining (study: Rejection of Marble Mining in Fatumnasi Village, South Central Timor Regency)” which aims to understand and analyze the ecofeminist movement carried out by Mollo indigenous women in rejecting marble mining activities in Fatumnasi Village. The presence of marble mining in the Mollo indigenous area has posed a threat to Environmental sustainability, water sources, and cultural values that have long been the identity of the community. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, this study describes the role and form of resistance of Mollo indigenous women based on the ecological relationship between women and nature. Data were obtained through in-diepah interviews, field observations, and documentation of the head of Fatumnasi Village, traditional women’s figures, religious figures, community leaders, and youth leaders. The results of the study indicate that the movement to reject marble mining is not merely a form of protest against environmental damage, but also a form of ecofeminist awareness that emphasizes that women’s bodies and the body of nature are an inseparable whole. This movement is expressed through various acts of resistance such as traditional rituals, weaving, demonstrations, and customary deliberations, each carrying symbolic meaning about the harmony between humans and nature. Based on Françoise d’Eaubonne’s theory of ecofeminism, the Mollo women’s movement reflects critical awareness toward patriarchal and capitalist systems that exploit both women and the environment. Thus, it can be concluded that the ecofeminist movement of Mollo indigenous women in rejecting marble mining is a form of women’s struggle to maintain environmental sustainability and maintain cultural identity through loclah wisdom practices.Ecofeminism, Mollo Indigenous Women, Marble Mining, Fatumnasi Village, Environment

Gender equality in the religious sphere in Indonesia is a complex phenomenon, shaped by the interaction between theological doctrines, institutional practices, and the socio-cultural context of each tradition. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive approach through literature review to analyze six major religions in Indonesia: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hindu Dharma, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: theological perspectives regarding gender roles and positions, social changes influencing gender relations, and transformations in institutional structures and practices that support gender equality. The findings indicate that historically, women were often placed in subordinate positions due to patriarchal norms, although the core teachings of these religions contain egalitarian principles and recognition of women’s dignity. Contemporary transformations are reflected in the reinterpretation of religious texts and practices that promote gender equality: Catholicism emphasizes the recognition of women’s dignity within the clerical hierarchy; Protestantism opens opportunities for the ordination of female pastors; Islam reinterprets the principles of Qawwamun and family law rights; Balinese Hindu Dharma adjusts women’s roles in rituals and public spheres; Buddhism revives the bhikkhuni order within the sangha; and Confucianism modernizes the interpretation of Wu Lun and San Cong to emphasize mutual responsibilities between husband and wife. In conclusion, despite persistent patriarchal challenges, this study affirms that religion has the potential to act as an agent of social transformation promoting gender equality while maintaining the moral, spiritual, and traditional values distinctive to each tradition. These findings contribute significantly to academic literature, interfaith dialogue, and the development of more gender-inclusive policies.

This study explores the Village Cross as a symbol of inculturation, integrating Catholic faith with the Nosu Minu Podi ritual in Dusun Perintis, Balai Sebut Village, Sanggau Regency. Nosu Minu Podi, a post-harvest rice ritual, originally centered on the ancestral statue (Pantak) as the main focus of worship. The introduction of Catholicism led to a symbolic transformation, replacing the Pantak with the Village Cross while maintaining ancestral values and harmonizing them with Catholic practices. This research uses a qualitative approach combining ethnography and contextual theology. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and field documentation. Findings reveal that the Village Cross serves dual functions: as a religious symbol affirming God’s presence and spiritual protection, and as a marker of social and cultural identity. This transformation strengthens community solidarity, preserves traditional practices, and provides a medium for faith formation among youth. The study highlights that inculturation enables the integration of local traditions with religious teachings, creating space for contextual, inclusive, and practical pastoral approaches. It contributes to scholarly understanding of the interplay between religion, culture, and community identity, emphasizing the enduring relevance of local wisdom in contemporary religious practice.

This article discusses the application of service learning as an educational approach that supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of sustainable tourism in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, Batu Caves has become a symbol of cultural diversity and interreligious harmony. However, increased tourism activity has brought about various problems, such as environmental pollution, waste management issues, and the erosion of cultural values among visitors. To address these challenges, service-learning programs integrate academic theory with direct participation in the community, allowing students to actively engage in environmental conservation, cultural documentation, and the development of public education initiatives. Thru collaboration with temple managers, local communities, and tourists, students applied management concepts in real-world situations, including cleaning activities, maintaining tourist areas, developing educational materials on eco-tourism, and preserving traditional rituals thru cultural archiving. The implementation of this service learning not only enriches students' learning experiences but also raises public awareness about the importance of preserving Batu Caves as a sustainable cultural heritage site. Overall, this project demonstrates that service learning is a transformative pedagogical approach that connects academic goals with community development and cultivates future leaders who are socially responsible and culturally sensitive.

This study aims to analyze Article 445 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) Number 1 of 2023, which regulates the criminal act of eloping with a young woman. The provision is considered to be in tension with the social and cultural realities of Indonesian society, particularly the people of Lombok who practice the merariq tradition. Merariq is an ancestral customary practice within marriage rituals involving the consensual elopement of the prospective bride as an integral part of the marriage process. This research uses Lawrence M. Friedman’s legal system theory, which examines three main components of law: (1) the substance of law—normative provisions contained in legislation; (2) the structure of law institutions and law enforcement agencies; and (3) the legal culture values, attitudes, and behavior of society toward law. This study is a normative legal research that treats law as norms, principles, doctrines, and rules. The primary legal material is Article 445 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code. The findings indicate that, from the perspective of legal substance, the article remains ambiguous. Its formulation potentially conflicts with Indonesia’s legal culture, which in practice prioritizes familial and traditional mechanisms for resolving private conflicts. Based on these findings, this study recommends a reformulation of the legal substance to make it more responsive to the socio-cultural context. The reformulation should be grounded in the principles of ultimum remedium and restorative justice, providing space for customary law and local culture as legitimate mechanisms to resolve private disputes. This approach is expected to reduce the disproportionate use of imprisonment and position criminal sanctions as a last resort in law enforcement.

This research is based on the awareness that music functions both as an artistic expression and as a cosmological representation embedded within the cultural structures of traditional societies. The Siwaluh Jabu traditional house in Lingga Village, North Sumatra, was selected as the object of study to examine the relationship between music and the cosmological views of the Karo people. The purpose of this study is to reveal the meaning of music within cultural practices and rituals carried out in the Siwaluh Jabu House, as well as to explore musical elements that reflect the continuity between humans, ancestors, and the universe. This research employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through literature review, participatory observation, and interviews with traditional leaders and local artists. The data analysis was conducted through data reduction, classification, data presentation, and drawing of conclusion. The results of the study show that music both the vocal mantra “ole…ah…ole” and the Gendang Lima Sendalanen ensemble contains symbolic values that interpret wood as a natural element, sustain social connections between groups, and reinforce the social system embedded in the spatial organization of the Siwaluh Jabu traditional house. Music serves as a medium of spiritual and cultural communication that unites the physical and metaphysical dimensions of life. The implications of this research enrich the perspective of music culture and emphasize the importance of preserving traditional music as a local knowledge system integrated with the cosmology of the Karo people.

This research analyzes the dynamics of hegemony and resistance in the Lio indigenous community of Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, focusing on the power practices of mosalaki (traditional elites) and the forms of hidden resistance developed by farming communities. Using an ethnographic approach over four months in Keliwumbu Village, this study combines Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony with James Scott's theory of hidden transcripts to understand the complexity of power relations in traditional societies experiencing economic transformation. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with 18 informants, and document analysis, then analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings indicate that the legitimacy of mosalaki power is constructed through three main pillars: genealogical narratives derived from the myths of Lepe and Mbusu, control over customary land encompassing 70% of agricultural land, and ritual authority positioning them as intermediaries with ata mate (ancestral spirits). Hegemonic practices operate through the pire system (customary prohibitions), mandatory nggua rituals requiring offerings, and control over decision-making as evidenced in the coal-fired power plant construction case. However, farming communities have developed hidden resistance in the form of subtle sabotage, passive non-compliance, gossip and informal criticism, and exit strategies through migration and purchase of alternative land. This resistance operates within the same cultural framework as the hegemony it contests, developing alternative interpretations of "true custom" rather than rejecting the traditional system entirely. This research contributes to theoretical understanding of hegemony in non-Western societies and reveals that "local wisdom" discourse can be manipulated to perpetuate structural inequality. Practically, these findings demonstrate the need for more critical approaches in development policies that accommodate internal power dynamics of indigenous communities to prevent reinforcement of local elite domination

The Kaharingan Hindu community represents an indigenous Dayak group residing in Central Kalimantan, distributed across fourteen districts and municipalities. One of these communities is located in Parit Village, Cempaga Hulu Subdistrict, East Kotawaringin Regency. Following its integration into Hinduism in 1980, various forms of religious guidance have been implemented; however, these efforts have not been fully optimal due to the vast geographical conditions of Central Kalimantan. This community service program conducted in Parit Village aims to strengthen the community’s śraddhā (faith) and jñāna (knowledge and understanding) of Hindu teachings. The program employed an outreach and educational approach focused on reinforcing the fundamental principles of Hinduism. Its implementation involved collaborative engagement with several partners, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (East Kotawaringin Office), the Kaharingan Hindu Council of Parit Village, and the active participation of the local Hindu community. The results indicate that many community members still lack comprehensive understanding of Hindu doctrines, partly due to limited access to sacred texts. Through the outreach activities, participants demonstrated improved comprehension of basic Hindu teachings, as evidenced by their ability to articulate and elaborate on the materials presented during the discussions.

This study aims to describe the process of implementing the Kuru We Fohon Ceremony and to describe the deep meaning contained in the Ritual. The method in this study uses a qualitative method. This Qualitative Approach also aims to gain understanding and describe a complex reality. In qualitative, this research procedure produces descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words based on the behavior of the object being studied. The results of the study are in the form of the first planning stage: the tribal chief will gather all Lulik Atan to plan when the Kuru We Fohon Tradition (taking sacred water) will be carried out. While the implementation stage includes Halaku We Fohon (Renewal) by the tribal chief and other traditional leaders, Kuru We Fohon (Taking Sacred Water) by the tribal chief and brought by one of the traditional leaders into the traditional house, Hatama We Fohon (Giving Entering Sacred Water) the officer who brings the Sacred Water into the traditional house. in the final stage, sprinkling the traditional house using sacred water and distributing Betel Nut (mama rai) to all the Nonot Forenain tribal people. The Kuru We Fohon ritual is deeply sacred, encompassing respect for ancestors and seeking their blessings. This ritual serves not only as a means of strengthening the relationship between ancestors and humans, but also as a means of strengthening cultural values. It teaches the importance of mutual cooperation, courtesy, and morality in social life.  

This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the siraman ceremony in Javanese culture and interpret its values ​​in light of the Catholic faith, particularly regarding the sanctity and blessings of the sacrament of marriage. The siraman tradition is understood not merely as a cultural ritual, but as a process of physical and spiritual purification imbued with spiritual symbolism, such as the use of water from seven springs and the granting of parental blessings. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method through analysis of Church documents, Javanese anthropological literature, and relevant research. The results indicate that the meaning of purification in siraman is closely related to the symbolism of baptismal water in the Catholic tradition, while the prayer of parental blessing aligns with the concept of blessing as a manifestation of God's grace in the family. Through the inculturation perspective emphasized in Gaudium et Spes and Ecclesia in Asia, siraman can be understood as a form of harmonious dialogue between faith and culture without compromising the purity of Church teachings. This study concludes that the siraman ceremony can enrich the experience of the sacrament of marriage for Javanese Catholics, while strengthening their identity as individuals of faith and culture.

Environmental ethics assumes that nature has human values ​​that must be respected. Various forms of embedding can be done, such as the traditional Cingcowong ceremony. The Cingcowong tradition is a traditional ritual originating from the agricultural community of Luragung Landeuh Village, Kuningan Regency. This tradition is a form of collective community activity that is based on belief in supernatural spirits who are believed to have the power to bring rain to overcome drought, especially on agricultural land caused by prolonged drought. Cingcowong reflects the close relationship between culture, nature, and spiritual practices in certain societies. In the context of environmental ethics, this tradition can be seen as a form of local wisdom that shows respect for nature, an understanding of the importance of ecosystem balance, and an awareness of human dependence on weather conditions. Therefore, this tradition can be considered as a concrete manifestation of environmental ethics that encourages humans to appreciate nature more and understand the interaction between spiritual, cultural, and environmental factors.

This study examines how Christian marriage is represented in the modern era through theological, symbolic, and contextual perspectives. Although Christian marriage is traditionally understood as a sacred covenant emphasizing unity, fidelity, and permanence, contemporary social realities reveal shifts in how Christians interpret and express marital life. Economic pressures, evolving family roles, digital communication patterns, and cultural influences shape the modern experience of marriage. Using a descriptive qualitative approach through literature-based research, this study analyzes the theological foundations, ritual symbols, and contextual factors that influence changes in the representation of Christian marriage today. The findings indicate that while the core theological essence of Christian marriage remains, its practical expressions undergo adaptation to remain relevant within modern life. Symbols such as wedding rings, marital vows, and liturgical blessings continue to convey theological meaning, while premarital education and pastoral support play a crucial role in strengthening marital stability. The study highlights the need for a contextual and integrative ecclesial approach that responds to the realities faced by Christian couples in contemporary society.    

The Tungku Bokong ritual is a traditional practice of the Manggarai people found in Reok and West Reok Districts, Manggarai Regency. This study aims to analyze the soteriological concept within the ritual, focusing specifically on its implementation in West Reok District. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with customary leaders and a review of relevant literature. The findings reveal that Tungku Bokong literally means “reconnecting the provision (blessing),” referring to an effort to restore the flow of blessings believed to have been disrupted an interruption that is thought to cause life problems such as illness, misfortune, or nightmares. The uniqueness of this ritual lies in its understanding that suffering and life difficulties can become a gateway to blessings or restoration. The central questions guiding this research are how the Tungku Bokong ritual is regarded as an act of attaining salvation for an individual, and what meaning it holds for the people of West Reok District. The study shows that the salvation gained through this ritual is not only material but also involves the restoration of relationships with ancestors and the Creator (Mori Kraeng). Meanwhile, suffering and various life challenges are understood as consequences of a disrupted blessing and as a means of awakening individuals to return to a balanced life.

This article discusses the leva mass in Lamalera as one of the examples of the inculturation of the Catholic faith in local culture on the island of Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara. Inculturation is understood as a process of encounter between faith and culture, so that the proclamation of the gospel can be deeply lived in the context of the life of the local people. Through the leva mass, cultural elements such as sea symbols, boats (tena), traditional dances, traditional clothing, and regional songs are harmoniously integrated into the liturgy of the Catholic Church. For the Lamalera community, the sea is not only a source of livelihood, but a symbol of God's presence and power that blesses and protects human life. The celebration of the Mass emphasizes that God is present not only in the church building, but also in every aspect of human life, including work. The Leva Mass can also strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and the responsibility of the people towards His created nature. The people learn to be grateful for marine products, respect the environment, and work with the spirit of love and sacrifice. Thus, the leva mass is not just a religious ritual, but also a faith and cultural education that helps the people in understanding their call to live in harmony with nature and the will of God. Through the Mass of Leva, the Church in Lamalera portrays the living face of faith, the source of the gospel but rooted in the local culture.