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Digital books are a transformation from printed books into digital media that can be accessed through devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. Digital books not only display text but can also contain multimedia elements such as images, audio, video, animations, and interactive quizzes. This makes the learning process more engaging and less monotonous. In the context of learning Hajj and Umrah material, digital books can display simulations of Hajj rituals, videos of worship in the Holy Land, and maps of Hajj and Umrah journeys, all of which can strengthen students' understanding. This study aims to explore the use of digital books as a learning medium for Islamic Religious Education (PAI) on Hajj and Umrah material at the Junior High School (SMP) level. Digital books are considered capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional learning media, which are static and less interactive. By utilizing multimedia elements such as manasik simulations, videos, prayer audio, interactive maps, and educational quizzes and games, digital books provide a more contextual, visual, and enjoyable learning experience. In addition, advantages in terms of accessibility, portability, and the ability to be adapted to students' learning styles make digital books relevant to the demands of 21st-century learning. The implementation of digital textbooks in learning was carried out through online, face-to-face, and blended learning models. Effectiveness evaluations included improvements in students' conceptual understanding, learning motivation, and digital skills. The study results indicate that digital textbooks play a significant role in improving the quality of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning, particularly on the topics of Hajj and Umrah, and supporting digital transformation in education.

Pupus Tourism Village in Ponorogo Regency is a pioneering tourist village endowed with diverse natural, economic, and cultural potential, yet its development remains constrained by limited infrastructure and insufficient utilization of digital technology. This condition has hindered the optimization of local attractions such as Mloko Sewu, Selorejo Waterfall, Mount Tapak Bimo trekking, as well as local products including palm sugar, coffee, porang, and goat milk in supporting the village economy. This study aims to analyze strategies for optimizing village potential through the application of Green Digital Management (GDM) as an effort to establish sustainable tourism business practices. A qualitative research approach was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the implementation of GDM can serve as a strategic approach for Pupus Tourism Village by integrating environmentally based digital promotion, strengthening eco-friendly creative economy initiatives, and revitalizing local culture such as the bersih desa ritual and communal work (gotong royong). The implications highlight the importance of collaboration between government, community, and tourism stakeholders in applying GDM to enhance the competitiveness of Pupus Tourism Village while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic, social, and ecological development.

This study aims to analyze the role of Sio as an intermediary in traditional Nias marriage ceremonies in Ononazara Village, Tugala Oyo District, North Nias Regency. The focus is directed toward how the Sio positions himself within the customary social arena and how social, cultural, and symbolic capital serve as the foundation of his legitimacy and authority. The research problem arises from the phenomenon of social change, where the authority of parents and traditional leaders, once dominant, is now shared with the presence of the Sio as a central mediator. The study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, validated by triangulation of sources, methods, and theories. Data analysis uses Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of social capital and social arena to reveal the dynamics of power relations in customary practices. The findings indicate that the Sio is not merely a spokesperson but a key actor who maintains harmony, mediates Böwö (bridewealth) negotiations, and ensures effective communication between families. His position is shaped by kinship networks, deep knowledge of customs and ritual language, and social reputation. In the context of modernization, the Sio functions as both a cultural conservator and adaptive mediator who balances economic and symbolic dimensions in traditional Nias marriages.

This study aims to analyze the process of acculturation between Buddhism and local culture in Indonesia, particularly in the context of the formation of a unique and historically relevant Nusantara Buddhist identity. The focus of the study includes the integration of the Tri Pitaka teachings with local cultural values, practices, language, art, and rituals to create a form of religious practice that is adaptive and meaningful for the local community. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques through observations of religious practices, interviews with religious and community leaders, and literature studies of relevant texts, inscriptions, historical artifacts, and scientific works. Data were analyzed interpretively through reduction, thematic grouping, and narrative construction that connects field phenomena to historical, social, and cultural contexts. The results show that the acculturation of Buddhism in Java is harmonious and multidimensional. The integration of Buddhism with local culture is manifested in the adaptation of ritual language, temple relief sculptures, ritual traditions such as Javanese puja bhakti (prayer offerings) and slametan (celebration ceremonies), and practices of respect for parents that align with Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist identity of the Indonesian archipelago is created through a synthesis of universal Buddhist values ​​and local culture, strengthening social cohesion and serving as a means of moral education for a multicultural society. This research contributes to the understanding of religious and cultural acculturation and opens up space for further study of the dynamics of religious integration in Indonesia.

This study explores the phenomenon of eclipses from the perspective of Islamic prophetic traditions (hadith), aiming to understand the theological and ritual responses to such celestial events in Islamic teachings. Despite being predictable astronomical occurrences, eclipses have often been associated with myths and superstitions in various cultures. The study investigates how Islamic teachings demystify these phenomena through authentic hadiths. Using a qualitative method with a thematic and historical approach, primary data were drawn from digital hadith sources such as Maktabah Syamilah, Hadith Soft, and the Encyclopedia of Hadith: The Nine Imams. The analysis identified ten relevant hadiths, which were grouped into three main themes: the meaning of eclipses, the spiritual wisdom behind them, and prescribed religious practices. Findings show that Islam emphasizes eclipses as signs of God's greatness, unrelated to death or birth events, and calls for reflective acts such as prayer and charity. This research contributes to the discourse on how religious texts provide a rational and spiritual framework for  natural phenomena

This community service program focuses on enhancing digital literacy, documenting cultural traditions, and developing integrated promotional media through the EthnoGring platform in Tlemang Cultural Tourism Village, Lamongan. The activities were conducted in collaboration with the local tourism group, Pokdarwis “Bukit Inggil,” through stages of needs assessment, digital literacy training, cultural content production and curation, platform development, and monitoring and evaluation. The results indicate that digitalization strengthens community capacity to manage tourism promotion while simultaneously safeguarding cultural heritage in the face of modernization. Cultural outputs such as documentaries, photographs of traditional rituals, interview transcripts with cultural figures, and an e-book on the Nyanggring tradition serve not only as promotional tools but also as efforts to conserve collective community knowledge. The integration of these outputs into the EthnoGring platform, equipped with public service and tourism information features, highlights the strategic role of digital innovation in supporting sustainable tourism village development. Early impacts include broader exposure of Tlemang’s cultural heritage, the emergence of local economic initiatives, and the establishment of a more adaptive community organization. Although challenges remain, particularly in digital infrastructure, collective engagement and institutional support serve as key foundations for sustainability. Therefore, EthnoGring contributes not only to cultural preservation but also to strengthening the social, economic, and institutional dimensions of sustainable tourism.

This article explores the symbolic meanings embedded in nonverbal communication present during the series of traditional Javanese wedding ceremonies from the Pakem Surakarta tradition. The purpose of this study is to identify and interpret the cultural symbols hidden in each phase of the ritual, such as the exchange of kembar mayang, stepping on eggs, sindur binayang, kacar-kucur, dhahar klimah, and sungkeman. The approach used in this study is a descriptive qualitative method with an ethnographic communication framework. Data was collected through direct observation and in-depth interviews with community leaders or wedding officiants, as well as cultural figures from the villages of Cendono and Bakalan in Pasuruan Regency. The findings of the study emphasize that the nonverbal symbols present in the ceremony carry meanings related to values of responsibility, role equality, purity, blessings, and affection, which are directed not only toward the bride and groom but also to the extended families and the surrounding community. Therefore, Javanese traditional marriage is not merely a ritual event, but also a means of preserving cultural teachings and spiritual values across generations. The ceremony reflects a strong bond between individuals, families, and the community, fostering social and spiritual harmony. Furthermore, this ceremony serves as a medium for strengthening intergenerational relationships within society, with the aim of preserving traditions and moral values in social life. Thus, a traditional Javanese wedding not only symbolizes the union of two individuals but also acts as a medium for maintaining and spreading cultural and spiritual values within the community.

This article explores the spirituality of the bate symbol within the context of the blessing of Catholic church buildings in Tana Toraja as a concrete form of inculturation of the Christian faith into local culture. Originally, bate functioned as a religious symbol in traditional Toraja ceremonies for inaugurating tongkonan (ancestral houses). Over time, however, this symbol has been adopted and reinterpreted in Catholic liturgical celebrations, particularly during church blessing rituals. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review and applies Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical framework, which consists of three stages: the world of the interpreter, the world of the text, and appropriation. The analysis reveals that bate can be understood as a cultural text rich in spiritual meaning. Traditionally, it symbolizes a connection between heaven and earth as well as cosmic power. Within the perspective of Christian inculturation, bate undergoes symbolic reinterpretation, representing values of faith such as the Trinity, the cross, the Eucharist, the Holy Scripture, and Jesus Christ as the mediator of salvation. The incorporation of bate in Catholic liturgy is not merely a cultural adaptation but a tangible manifestation of the encounter between faith and culture, achieved in a contextual and symbolic manner within Torajan society. This study affirms the significance of inculturation in proclaiming the Gospel in a way that is relevant and grounded, without compromising the core essence of Catholic faith. Furthermore, it recommends further research on other local symbols to enrich the dialogue between faith and culture in pastoral contexts.

This study analyzes the symbolic meaning of the 2025 Easter Parade in Kupang City using a symbolic interactionist approach, with a central focus on the cross as a primary symbol. The cross is not only understood as a sacred religious emblem but also as a medium of social communication whose meaning is dynamically constructed through interactions between parade participants, spectators, and particularly the actors portraying the figure of Jesus. These social interactions allow for the reinterpretation of the symbol’s meaning based on cultural contexts and participants' experiences.The findings reveal that deviant behavior exhibited by some actors portraying Jesus created a dissonance between the ideal meaning of Christ’s suffering and the actual performance displayed during the parade. This mismatch caused cognitive dissonance among viewers and had the potential to distort the intended spiritual message of the symbol. The incident underscores the importance of actors' awareness of the sacred nature of the symbol and the necessity for responsible and contextually appropriate representations in public rituals.The study also emphasizes that religious symbols are fluid and do not possess fixed or absolute meanings. Instead, they are subject to redefinition based on individual and collective experiences, cultural backgrounds, and public perceptions. Within the context of the Easter Parade, the cross becomes a performative medium that reflects the values, beliefs, and social dynamics of the diverse society in Kupang. This research employs a mixed-methods approach by integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Quantitative data offers general insights into audience perceptions of the symbolic performance, while qualitative data explores deeper layers of symbolic meaning and the sociocultural implications that arise. Overall, this study contributes to the discourse on religion, symbolism, and public ritual by highlighting the importance of intentionality, appropriate representation, and cultural sensitivity in maintaining the sacredness of religious symbols in dynamic and pluralistic public spaces

This study investigates the ritual of worshipping the God of Fortune, particularly Kongco Han Tan Kong, as practiced by the Chinese-Indonesian community in Sentul, Bogor, where Bio Dewa Rejeki serves as the central site of ritual performance. Viewed through an anthropolinguistic lens, the research explores the interplay between language and cultural practices within the ritual, employing an ethnographic approach to examine the meanings, symbols, and values embedded in it, as well as their role in shaping communal identity. Beyond its religious dimension, the ritual reflects complex social and cultural dynamics, functioning as a mechanism for reinforcing solidarity and fostering identity amidst rapid social change. Statistical data indicate a significant rise in visitors to Bio Dewa Rejeki during the Lunar New Year celebration, averaging 5,000 daily visitors, thereby highlighting its strong appeal and integrative role within the local community while also attracting interest from non-Chinese participants seeking spiritual experience. Data collection is conducted through participant observation and in-depth interviews with organizers and participants over several months, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ritual’s implementation, symbolic meanings, and perceived significance in daily life. The findings are expected to contribute to a broader understanding of the interrelationship between language, culture, and religious practice within the Chinese-Indonesian community, underscoring the central role of language and communication in shaping spiritual experience and communal identity.

The Sea Picking Tradition is a cultural ritual of the coastal community in Jatirejo Village, Lekok District, Pasuruan Regency, which is held annually as a form of gratitude for marine products. Amidst the current of modernization, this tradition has an important meaning in preserving local wisdom and cultural heritage of coastal communities. This study aims to understand the symbolic meaning contained in the series of Sea Picking Tradition processions and examine its role as a form of local wisdom in maintaining community identity and solidarity. Cultural symbols displayed through offerings, decorated boats, traditional clothing, collective prayers, and other socio-cultural activities are seen as having deep meanings that represent the relationship between humans with nature, each other, and the Creator. The research method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive methods and symbolic interaction analysis. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed to uncover the hidden meanings in cultural symbols. The results show that the symbols in the Sea Picking Tradition form collective meanings that strengthen individual self-concept, social relations, and ecological awareness of coastal communities. This tradition serves as a means of strengthening social solidarity, solidifying local cultural identity, and preserving spiritual values ​​and local wisdom amidst the challenges of modernization. Thus, the Petik Laut tradition serves not only as a ritual of gratitude but also as a cultural heritage that must be preserved to maintain the social, cultural, and spiritual values ​​of coastal communities.

This research examines the vital role of pesantren education in embedding and sustaining moral values within the broader social context, with a particular focus on Pondok Pesantren Raudlatul Muta’allimin Kudus. As traditional Islamic institutions, pesantren not only function as centers for religious instruction but also act as moral guardians that shape the character, ethics, and social behavior of students and their surrounding communities. In the midst of rapid globalization and shifting cultural dynamics, pesantren face the challenge of preserving the relevance of Islamic values while adapting to contemporary realities. The purpose of this study is to investigate how pesantren education contributes to moral development and to identify strategies utilized to instill Islamic ethics. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research gathered data through interviews, direct observation, and documentation involving kyai, teachers, students, and community members. The findings show that pesantren foster moral growth through structured daily rituals, integration of moral teachings in curriculum, exemplary leadership (uswah), and active community-based programs. These practices build discipline, honesty, empathy, and social responsibility in students, which in turn positively affect the surrounding society. Furthermore, the leadership model demonstrated by kyai and teachers plays a central role in reinforcing values through example, rather than instruction alone. The study concludes that pesantren education continues to serve as a powerful moral force by blending religious instruction with practical community engagement, ensuring that values are not only taught but also lived. This underscores the relevance of pesantren as adaptive agents of moral transformation capable of addressing the ethical challenges of modern Muslim societies. It also highlights that the pesantren framework can serve as a replicable model for strengthening character education in diverse social and cultural contexts, making it both traditional and forward-looking.

This research investigates the cultural significance of the transformation in the Ngaben ceremony, a central cremation ritual in Balinese Hindu tradition, focusing on the shift from traditional firewood-based methods to modern gas-based cremation practices. The Ngaben ceremony holds profound religious, philosophical, and social meaning, symbolizing the liberation of the soul from worldly ties and its journey to the afterlife. In recent decades, technological advancements and socio-environmental considerations have prompted many communities in Bali to adopt gas cremation systems, offering greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and lower operational costs. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, this study draws on in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to explore how this transition affects cultural meaning, community values, and religious interpretations. The research compares the symbolic elements embedded in traditional and modern methods, examining how changes in materials, process duration, and ceremonial aesthetics influence the perceived authenticity and spiritual significance of the ritual. Findings reveal that while some community members view the adoption of gas cremation as a pragmatic adaptation that aligns with contemporary needs, others express concern about the erosion of cultural heritage and the diminished role of traditional craftsmanship. Furthermore, the study highlights the adaptive strategies employed by Balinese Hindu communities to integrate modern technology while preserving essential spiritual values, such as maintaining ritual sequences, symbolic offerings, and priest-led prayers. The analysis underscores that cultural transformation within religious practices is not a simple replacement of old methods with new ones, but rather a process of negotiation between tradition and innovation. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader discussions on cultural resilience, religious continuity, and the dynamic interaction between technological change and sacred tradition in contemporary Balinese Hindu society.

The implementation of Hajj rituals for children is a significant practice in early childhood education, focusing on religious and moral development. This study aims to assess the impact of performing Hajj rituals on children's religious and moral growth. Using a qualitative research approach, the study describes findings from field research conducted at RA Cinta Bunda Huta Boluk Simalungun, which holds annual Hajj ritual activities for children. Data collection was done through observation and documentation. The study found that the Hajj rituals at RA Cinta Bunda are carried out through several steps: (1) Setting the departure date in alignment with the Hajj Manasik schedule, (2) notifying parents to obtain permission for their child’s participation, (3) registration with IGRA Simalungun, (4) gathering all students for the ritual, (5) reading the talbiyah, (6) receiving guidance from a supervisor upon arrival, (7) wukuf at Arafah and overnighting in Mina, (8) throwing seven small stones during stoning, (9) performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, (10) performing sa'i or jog, (11) tahallul (cutting a little hair), and (12) resting to eat dates and drink zam-zam water. The study identified seven indicators of religious and moral development resulting from these activities: (1) Recognizing the Creator and His commands, (2) Memorizing the Pillars of Islam, (3) Learning Hajj intentions, (4) Memorizing the Talbiyah reading, (5) Learning the Yemeni Rukun readings, (6) Understanding the Hajj process, and (7) Developing patience and perseverance. This study highlights the importance of religious rituals in shaping young children’s understanding of their faith and moral character.

This article explains the Bakaua ritual at sacred graves, a tradition of the Nagari Sungai Limau community that has deep theological value. This research aims to analyze the meaning of theological values in the Bakaua ritual and how its practice can strengthen people's spiritual relationships. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research examines the spiritual, social, and cultural aspects inherent in the Bakaua tradition. The research results indicate that this ritual serves not only as a means of prayer and respect for ancestors but also as a medium for strengthening social relations and preserving local wisdom. Apart from that, the Bakaua ritual is seen as a form of asking for protection, expressing gratitude, and fulfilling vows, which reflects the close relationship between culture and theology in the life of Minangkabau society. The method used in this research is qualitative, encouraging a different approach from previous research, which only discussed Bakaua dramaturgy in the Minangkabau society. However, this paper places more emphasis on aspects of theological values in the Bakaua ritual tradition at sacred graves. This study highlights how theological meaning is embodied through symbolic practices, offerings, and communal prayers that represent submission to divine will. It also reveals how the ritual facilitates intergenerational transmission of spiritual values, maintaining continuity of belief systems in modern contexts. By analyzing community participation and oral narratives, the research uncovers deep spiritual motives rooted in Islamic beliefs intertwined with local cultural expressions. In addition, the findings underscore the community’s resilience in preserving traditional theology-based rituals despite the influence of modernization and shifts in religious interpretations. The Bakaua ritual thus becomes a cultural-theological bridge that binds generations and sustains spiritual identity within the dynamic life of the Minangkabau people.

This study explores the meaning and role of the Nahunan tradition in maternal and infant care among the Dayak Ngaju community. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, utilizing literature review and field interviews. The findings reveal that Nahunan is not merely a naming ritual, but also symbolizes spiritual protection and social acceptance of the child. The practice involves traditional leaders, herbal remedies, and natural symbols. However, modern influences have diminished the younger generation’s understanding of its values. Preserving local culture within healthcare services is essential to maintaining community identity.

The Bapalas Bidan tradition is a ritual of the Dayak tribe in Kalimantan to express gratitude to the midwife after the birth process. The ritual includes activities such as bathing the baby, serving offerings, and performing a symbolic ceremony to spiritually "return" the baby from the midwife to its parents. In the past, these rituals had a magical element, but nowadays more prayers and Islamic principles are applied. While modern midwifery practice faces challenges to its survival, this tradition remains crucial as it strengthens culture and social connections. This study examines the meaning of the tradition, its evolution, and the ways in which communities maintain it in modern times.

This study investigates the verbal and visual signs embedded in the promotional posters of Midsommar (2019), a psychological horror film directed by Ari Aster. Drawing on Dyer’s (1982) theory of visual signs, Saussure’s semiotic model of the signifier and signified, and Cerrato’s (2012) theory of color symbolism, the research analyzes how linguistic and visual elements work together to convey layered meanings. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, five official film posters were examined to identify how signs construct thematic messages and emotional tones. The findings reveal that the posters deliberately juxtapose serene imagery with unsettling symbols, creating a tension between aesthetic beauty and psychological horror. Verbal cues such as taglines and titles signal themes of ritual, trauma, and emotional transformation, while visual signs—such as costume, color palette, facial expressions, and symbolic objects—reinforce the film’s narrative of cultural disorientation and personal collapse. Color symbolism, particularly the use of red, blue, and white, plays a key role in evoking mood and implying deeper psychological and ritualistic meanings. Overall, this study demonstrates that Midsommar’s posters function not only as promotional tools but also as rich semiotic texts that foreshadow the film’s ideological and emotional content, offering insight into how horror and beauty can coexist within cinematic visual culture.

Indonesia as a multicultural country has various traditions that reflect social and spiritual values, one of which is the tingkeban tradition in Javanese culture. This tradition is not only a spiritual ritual for the safety of pregnant women and their fetuses, but also a medium for cultural expression through the symbolism of traditional food. This study aims to identify the terms of traditional food and snacks in the tingkeban ceremony and explore the symbolic and cultural meanings contained therein through an ethnolinguistic approach. The focus of the study was directed at the people of Ketapangkuning Village, Ngusikan District, Jombang Regency, East Java, who still maintain the traditional tingkeban practice. By using an ethnolinguistic approach, this study attempts to trace the relationship between language and culture reflected in the lexicon of traditional food as a representation of the values of harmony, balance, and respect for life in Javanese society.

Javanese culture is a product of the community’s collective thought, expressed through traditions that have been preserved over generations. However, cultural practices may face decline due to the pressures of modernization and changing times. Therefore, efforts to preserve and sustain cultural heritage are essential. One method of cultural transmission is through traditional practices. The Ngirim Banyu tradition at Sumber Genitri, Claket Village, represents a form of semi-oral folklore that is still regularly performed by the local community in Claket Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency. This tradition is carried out as an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for the blessings received, particularly the natural spring that sustains the village. This study aims to explore the origins, procedures, ritual components (ubarampe), symbolic meanings, functions, transformations, and preservation efforts related to the Ngirim Banyu tradition at Sumber Genitri. The research also seeks to broaden the researcher’s perspective, knowledge, and experience concerning the existence of local traditions. The theoretical framework used in this study includes concepts of folklore, symbolism and meaning, belief systems, cultural functions, cultural change, and cultural preservation strategies.