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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.

This study aims to explore in depth the implementation of the Geret Sapu tradition in Jambuwok Village, including an analysis of its lexical and cultural meanings, as well as its relevance to the teaching of Indonesian Language and Literature at the senior high school level. The research focuses on the traditional practices of the Jambuwok Village community, located in Mojokerto Regency, using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through documentation and interview techniques, with local residents serving as the research subjects. Data validity was ensured through source and method triangulation. Data analysis was carried out in three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the Geret Sapu tradition consists of two main stages: preparation and implementation. The ritual involves six symbolic objects, namely: a broomstick, water jug (kendi), mat, pillow, bolster, and soil. Semantic analysis was conducted through the interpretation of lexical and cultural meanings. These findings indicate that the cultural values embedded in the Geret Sapu tradition can be integrated into Indonesian Language and Literature learning as contextual material grounded in local culture.

This study aims to examine the influence of transcendental communication on the practice of the tahlilan tradition among the congregation of Nurul Huda Mosque in Bandar Lampung. Transcendental communication, defined as spiritual interaction between individuals and the divine, is seen as a key factor in shaping religious behavior and sustaining traditional religious rituals within the community. The research employs a quantitative approach using survey methods with 60 respondents selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that had passed validity and reliability tests, and analyzed using linear regression through IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The results indicate that transcendental communication significantly influences the tahlilan tradition, with a significance value of 0.004 (< 0.05) and a positive regression coefficient of 0.350. These findings suggest that the stronger the transcendental communication experienced by individuals, the greater their belief in and participation in the tahlilan tradition. Furthermore, the study confirms that the research data meet the classical assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity. In conclusion, transcendental communication plays a substantial role in reinforcing collective religious traditions and spiritual continuity within local Muslim communities. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how spiritual dimensions influence the preservation of Islamic cultural-religious practices in a contemporary setting.

The Tiatiki tradition in Teluk Depapre, Papua, is not merely an ecological ritual but serves as a cultural communication medium that conveys social and political messages. This study aims to analyze Tiatiki as vernacular media representing environmental conservation while articulating the resistance of indigenous communities against development policies that potentially threaten their customary territories. The research employs a qualitative approach with vernacular discourse analysis methods. Primary data were sourced from a 22-minute-22-second documentary produced by the Balai Pelestarian Nilai Budaya Papua (2020), analyzed through narrative transcription, identification of visual symbols, open coding, axial coding, and theoretical interpretation based on the Two-Step Flow theory and the concept of vernacular media. The findings reveal that the ritual prohibition symbolized by the “kayul larangan” is not merely a sign of marine closure for ecological purposes but also a political statement asserting indigenous territorial claims. Indigenous opinion leaders play a strategic role as cultural communicators and as drivers of subtle resistance against external interventions. These results affirm that local wisdom-based conservation in Papua is not solely ecological but also constitutes a political discourse arena projecting cultural identity and indigenous rights. This study contributes theoretically to cultural communication studies, particularly in analyzing vernacular media as instruments of local political resistance.

The phrase istighfar in forming and strengthening character education based on AIK (Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah) values. Istighfar as an expression of asking for forgiveness from Allah SWT has a deep spiritual meaning and strong relevance in forming a person's character that is noble, honest, and responsible. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, the author describes the importance of internalizing the phrase istighfar in everyday life as a means of introspection, self-improvement, and moral strengthening. AIK-based character education that integrates the practice of istighfar is expected to produce people who are not only intellectually intelligent, but also spiritually and socially superior. Thus, istighfar is not only a ritual of worship, but also a medium for self-transformation towards a perfect human being.

Penelitian ini mengkaji implementasi pendidikan karakter Kristen dalam keluarga di era kontemporer yang menghadapi berbagai tantangan globalisasi. Menggunakan metode studi pustaka dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif-analitis, penelitian ini menganalisis landasan teologis, konsep teoretis, dan strategi implementasi pendidikan karakter Kristen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan karakter Kristen memiliki fondasi yang kuat dalam konsep Imago Dei dan mandat Alkitabiah, khususnya Ulangan 6:6-7 dan Efesus 6:4. Keluarga berfungsi sebagai ecclesia domestica yang menjalankan fungsi kerygma, koinonia, leiturgia, dan diakonia dalam pembentukan karakter anak. Nilai-nilai fundamental seperti buah Roh (Galatia 5:22-23) menjadi karakteristik utama yang perlu ditanamkan melalui metodologi keteladanan, pendekatan naratif, disiplin redemptif, dan ritual keluarga. Namun, tantangan kontemporer seperti sekularisasi, relativisme moral, teknologi digital, perubahan struktur keluarga modern, dan pluralisme agama memerlukan strategi adaptif. Penelitian ini memperkenalkan Teori Transformasi Karakter Holistik (TKTH) yang mengintegrasikan dimensi teologis-antropologis, psiko-sosial, pedagogis-metodologis, dan komunal-ekosistemik. Revitalisasi pendidikan karakter Kristen dalam keluarga menjadi kebutuhan mendesak untuk membentuk generasi dengan fondasi moral dan spiritual yang kuat di tengah dinamika perubahan sosial yang cepat.

This study examines the implementation of the Sigalovada Sutta as a form of ancestral devotion within the Nyadran Dauwang tradition practiced by the Buddhist community in Depok Hamlet, Java. Grounded in the understanding that religion and culture are deeply intertwined, the research aims to explore how Buddhist doctrinal values are actualized through local communal rituals and how these practices contribute to social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and cultural continuity. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders, elders, and community members, and analysis of ritual documentation. Triangulation of methods and sources was applied to enhance the credibility and depth of interpretation. The findings reveal that Nyadran Dauwang consists of four interrelated components: communal cleaning of irrigation canals (Susuk Wangang), ritual journeys accompanied by offerings and food sharing, interfaith prayer gatherings, and Wayang Kulit performances. These practices embody key Buddhist values such as spiritual friendship, loving-kindness, compassion, ethical reciprocity, and collective merit-making, as articulated in the Sigalovada Sutta. The tradition also reinforces respect for ancestors, strengthens intergenerational bonds, promotes ecological awareness, and fosters harmony in a pluralistic religious setting. Rather than functioning as a rigid doctrinal text, the Sigalovada Sutta operates as a living ethical framework that guides communal life through culturally resonant forms. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that Nyadran Dauwang represents a contextualized enactment of Buddhist ethics that integrates religious teachings with local cultural heritage. This integration offers an important model for Buddhist religious education, cultural preservation, and community-based approaches to social and environmental sustainability.

This study analyzes the mediating role of Friendly Leadership in transforming church culture from Performative Spirituality to Oikos Theology. Performative spirituality, which measures self-worth through performance and ritual, creates a hierarchical and oppressive church environment. This crisis demands a theological shift towards Oikos, a vision of the church as God's holistic, relational household that is responsible for the community and the environment. Through qualitative literature study methods, it was found that Friendly Leadership is a key mediator. This model, based on Christ's hospitality and friendship (John 15:15), serves a dual purpose: First, it dismantles performative spirituality by building psychological safety, reducing fear, and encouraging authentic vulnerability. Second, it effectively builds an Oikos culture by encouraging congregational participation (ownership) and expanding the church's focus from internal affairs to socio-ecological concerns. In conclusion, Friendly Leadership is a vital practical bridge for realizing healthy and inclusive cultural transformation for the 21st-century church.

This study is motivated by the importance of prayer and fasting practices in the Christian tradition, which are increasingly marginalized in the midst of modern secularism and individualism. The purpose of this study is to analyze the concept of prayer and fasting based on the principles in the Book of Esther and to examine its implications for the formation of contemporary Christian spirituality. This research employs a literature review method by examining biblical texts and contemporary theological literature to identify the characteristics of prayer and fasting that are pleasing to God. The results of the study indicate that the practice of prayer and fasting in the Book of Esther is not merely ritualistic, but an expression of faith, self-denial, and communal solidarity that leads to personal transformation and strengthened social sensitivity. The implication of this study is that the principles of prayer and fasting in the Book of Esther can serve as a model for the spiritual formation of the modern church, fostering intimacy with God and a commitment to addressing surrounding social issues. These findings contribute to the development of practical theology and contemporary Christian spirituality studies.

This literature study examines the construction of cultural identity through socio-economic practices in plantation ecosystems among the Acehnese, Malay, and Chinese communities in Indonesia. Using a systematic literature review of 42 selected sources (1990-2023), the research reveals that plantations function as sites of identity negotiation—dynamic arenas of cultural adaptation and resistance. In Aceh, the integration of Islamic values (zakat [alms] from plantations, meunasah education) and local wisdom (peusijuek rituals) mediates post-conflict reconciliation and identity transformation from "combatants" to "farmers" (Muchlis et al., 2023; Aulia et al., 2024). For the Malay community, the customary-territorial concept of bela kampung (communal defense) underpins resistance to authority fragmentation through gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and communal land allocation (Yunanda et al., 2024; Nasution et al., 2024). Meanwhile, the Chinese community develops invisibility strategies (e.g., land acquisition via family foundations, citizenship aliases) to convert legal marginalization into clan-based social capital (Irawan, 2016; Thung, 2018). Key findings highlight divergent identity sources: religiosity (Aceh), customary-territoriality (Malay), and clan social capital (Chinese). The study recommends integrating local wisdom into inclusive plantation policies and employing ethnographic approaches to examine identity intersectionality complexity.

Islam is a holistic religion, covering various dimensions of life that are harmoniously integrated. The dimensions of Islam consist of aspects of faith (belief), worship (ritual), morality (morality), and muamalah (social interaction). In the dimension of faith, Islam emphasizes faith in Allah, angels, holy books, apostles, the last days, and destiny, which are the spiritual foundation of every Muslim. The dimension of worship includes the practice of Islamic teachings in the form of formal rituals such as prayer, fasting, zakat, and hajj, which not only bring individuals closer to Allah, but also strengthen social solidarity. On the moral dimension, Islam teaches universal moral values, such as honesty, patience, and justice, which form the noble character of the individual. Meanwhile, the muamalah dimension includes the procedures for social, economic, and political interaction, which is based on the principles of justice, balance, and mutual benefit. These four dimensions complement each other, creating a balanced framework of life between a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with fellow humans and the environment. This research aims to explore the meaning, function, and relevance of the Islamic dimensions in modern life. With a descriptive qualitative approach, the results of the study show that a comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of Islam can be a solution to various contemporary challenges, such as moral crises, social inequality, and environmental degradation. This study recommends the holistic application of Islamic values in daily life to create a civilized social order.

This study examines the cultural diversity of the Batak people in North Sumatra through a systematic literature review of three core pillars: language, traditions, and social systems. Findings reveal significant inter-sub-ethnic variations (e.g., Toba, Karo, Simalungun), including linguistic diversity (V-S-O structures in Toba vs. complex affixation in Karo), distinct rituals (such as Saur Matua and Manulangi Natuatua), and kinship systems rooted in the Dalihan Na Tolu philosophy. Amid positive dynamics like digitalization of traditional arts (Tortor Martonun) and gender transformations, Batak culture faces critical threats: symbolic desacralization (commodification of ulos textiles), kinship disintegration (atomization of Dalihan Na Tolu due to urbanization), and erosion of transcendental knowledge (extinction of Hata Andung rituals). The study recommends a community-based participatory research (CBPR) preservation model, integrating local content curricula and geographical indication certification. A key limitation is the literature bias toward the Toba sub-group, necessitating urgent comparative studies across sub-ethnicities and analysis of digital media’s impact on cultural transmission.

Marriage is a universal social institution, yet its implementation is profoundly shaped by distinctive local cultural values. One such cultural manifestation is the Merari’ tradition practiced by the indigenous Sasak community in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This tradition refers to the practice of "elopement," which forms an integral part of customary rituals uniting two individuals in marital bonds. This study aims to explore in depth the fundamental reasons why the Sasak people continue to uphold the Merari’ tradition amidst the tides of modernization and the bureaucratization of national marriage law. It also seeks to describe the procedural and normative structure of the Merari’ marriage process from the perspective of customary law. Furthermore, this research investigates the types of customary sanctions imposed when individuals violate the traditional norms of marriage. This study uses a socio-legal approach, which not only examines written legal norms (positive law) but also considers how these norms are applied and function within society, particularly through the practice of Merari’ in the Sasak community. The findings show that the Merari’ tradition is not merely a romanticized relic of the past, but a form of cultural resistance against the dominance of formal law, which is often perceived as inadequate in accommodating local values. The Merari’ process follows a clearly defined sequence—starting from mutual agreement between the couple, the act of elopement, reporting to customary leaders, and culminating in the nyelabar ceremony, which serves as the social ratification of the marriage. In cases of violation or deviation from these customary norms, community elders may impose sanctions such as traditional fines (material penalties), social exclusion, or prohibition from participating in customary events. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the Merari’ tradition holds legal legitimacy within the framework of customary law, as it is carried out on the basis of social consensus, noble values, and binding communal norms. Its persistence illustrates a dynamic relationship between state law and customary law, wherein both systems can coexist in parallel, provided there is mutual recognition and space for dialogue. Thus, there is an urgent need for an integrative legal approach in the formulation of national legal policies—an approach that is not only normative, but also contextual and responsive to the legal pluralism present in Indonesian society.  

Village cleaning is an annual tradition carried out by the people of Nagari Sitiung, West Sumatra, as a form of expression of gratitude for the harvest and abundance of sustenance. This tradition has local wisdom values ​​that have been passed down from generation to generation and are still preserved to this day. Village cleaning is generally carried out before the new planting season or after a large harvest, as an effort to maintain a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and invisible forces that are believed to play a role in the balance of life. A series of activities in this tradition include working together to clean the village environment, joint prayer rituals, and various traditional events and traditional arts that are symbols of hope for blessings in the future. In this procession, the community shares roles and responsibilities, which shows the strong social ties between them. In addition, this tradition is an event for reflection and friendship, where migrants who return to their hometowns take part in the excitement of the event. The symbolic meaning of the village cleaning tradition lies not only in the ritual aspect, but also in the values ​​of togetherness, solidarity, and respect for ancestors. By maintaining this tradition, the people of Nagari Sitiung are trying to maintain their cultural identity amidst the changing times. The village clean tradition is also a reflection of the close relationship between humans and the environment, as well as a form of cultural adaptation that is rich in philosophical meaning. Through this tradition, the ancestral heritage remains alive as an important part of people's daily lives. 

This study aims to understand the meaning and symbolism of the saur matua ceremony performed by the Batak Toba community, as well as to explore how this tradition reflects the cultural values ​​of the Batak community, such as hamoraon (wealth), hagabeon (many descendants), and hasangapon (honor). The method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews and documentation studies. Interviews were conducted with informants who are experienced in carrying out the saur matua ceremony, as well as literature studies relevant to the research topic. The collected data were analyzed thematically, to identify the main elements in the saur matua ceremony and understand its meaning in the context of the social and cultural life of the Batak Toba. The results of the study show that the saur matua ceremony is not just a death ritual, but a celebration of a person's success in life. Death is seen as an achievement, where the deceased is considered to have succeeded in fulfilling customary expectations in social, material, and descendant aspects. This ceremony reflects a view of life that values ​​honor and kinship, and provides a new meaning to a joyful death.

The demand for goats for religious rituals such as aqiqah and qurban during Eid al-Adha has shown a significant upward trend each year, in line with the growing awareness among Muslims to observe religious practices in accordance with Islamic law. This study aims to explore the strategies employed and the challenges faced by traditional goat farmers in responding to this evolving demand. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The subject of this study was Mr. Anto, an experienced goat farmer and trader who manages the “Adinda Aqiqah” business in Medan City. The findings reveal that Mr. Anto’s main strategies include stock management through the raising of hundreds of goats of various breeds (Kacang, Etawa, and sheep), the selection of high-productivity superior breeds, and the setting of competitive selling prices for both qurban and aqiqah needs. On the other hand, the primary challenges encountered include limited infrastructure, particularly at sales locations, animal health risks due to adverse weather conditions, and the lack of effectiveness in using social media as a marketing tool to reach a wider consumer base. These findings offer a clear picture of how traditional livestock practices adapt to market demands, while also highlighting the need for improvements in technology, marketing, and policy support to enhance competitiveness in this dynamic, seasonal market.

This study aims to examine how the tradition of manaqib contributes to the actualization of the values of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) within the society of Majalengka. As a cultural-religious heritage of Islam Nusantara, manaqib is not merely seen as a spiritual ritual, but also as a vital medium for instilling Islamic values that emphasize moderation (tawassuth), tolerance (tasamuh), balance (tawazun), and justice (i’tidal). Using a qualitative descriptive approach and literature review method, this study draws on various academic sources and journal articles. The findings reveal that manaqib plays a strategic role in shaping the spiritual character of society, strengthening traditional religious identity, and preserving social cohesion and harmony. However, the tradition faces significant challenges in the modern era, such as the rise of puritan movements and shifting societal lifestyles. Therefore, revitalization efforts through contextual approaches and the use of digital media are crucial to ensure the continued relevance and transmission of Aswaja values to future generations.

This study aims to describe the meaning of signs and values ​​contained in the story of the origin of the Penti ceremony in the Wae Mbeleng community, Benteng Kuwu Village, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The Penti ceremony is one of the important traditional rituals that contains various symbols and cultural values ​​as a form of gratitude to God and ancestors for the harvest and a request for protection in the coming year. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotic approach, which dissects signs through the concept of signifier and signified. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the signs in the Penti ceremony, such as symbols of sacrificial animals, mantras, sacred places, and traditional foods, represent the spiritual relationship of the community with God, ancestors, and nature. In addition, values ​​such as ethics, spirituality, kinship, mutual cooperation, as well as educational and social values ​​are reflected in the practice of the ceremony. Thus, the Penti ceremony is not only a form of cultural expression, but also a means of inheriting the noble values ​​of the Manggarai community. This research is expected to contribute to the preservation of local culture and become a reference in the study of cultural anthropology and value education.

This study identifies the role of shamans in local wisdom-based wellness tourism in Belumbang Tourism Village, Kerambitan Sub-district, Tabanan Regency. Shamans as traditional spiritual figures play an important role in wellness practices that combine physical healing, spiritual rituals and local ecological understanding. Using observation and interview methods, this research was analyzed based on the six dimensions of wellness in the Extended Wellness Model (Mueller & Kaufmann, 2001), and supported by data from the Global Wellness Institute (Yeung & Johnston, 2018) and the authors' perceptions of shamans. The results show that shaman practices support all dimensions of wellness, especially the spiritual, physical and environmental aspects. Travelers gain benefits such as traditional massages, herbal concoctions, and inner peace through rituals that touch on emotional and mental aspects. Shamans also play a role in educating tourists about the harmony of humans and nature through the responsible use of resources. Thus, shamans not only function as healers, but also as guardians of local culture and tourist attractions that strengthen village identity and support sustainable health and culture-based tourism.