Penamas
Vol 38 No 2 (2025): Volume 38, Issue 2, July-December 2025

INTERACTION OF RELIGION AND LOCAL CULTURE IN SYMBOLIC COMMUNICATION OF AGRICULTURAL RUWAT FOR STRENGTHENING INDIGENOUS AUTHORITY ACROSS JAVANESE ETHNICS

Purwanti, Eneng (Unknown)
Anam, Khairil (Unknown)
Ilah Holilah (Unknown)
Kamaluddin Nurdin Marjuni (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in comparative research on the agricultural rutawt tradition as an integrated model for national food security within Indonesia's ethnic diversity. The objective of this study is to analyze the symbolic communication and value negotiation of Ruwat Pertanian across three communities: Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, located in West Java, Kasepuhan Cicarucub in Banten, and Adirasa in Central Java. A qualitative comparative-ethnographic approach was employed to collect data through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and direct observations. The results identify three distinct models of cultural resilience: the Conservative Model in Ciptagelar, which strictly preserves ecological authority to maintain food sovereignty; the Integrative Model in Cicarucub, which harmonizes ancestral customs with Islamic values; and the Pragmatic Model in Adirasa, which rationalizes rituals for economic utility. Despite these variations, Ruwat functions as an ecological rite of passage that serves to legitimize spiritual authority and sustainable cultivation norms. These findings offer critical policy implications, suggesting that integrating these diverse local wisdom typologies specifically the leuit system and syncretic practices into national strategies is essential for achieving food sovereignty and religious moderation

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

penamas

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Social Sciences

Description

PENAMAS (ISSN : 0215 - 7829 e-ISSN : 2502 - 7891) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Office of Religious Research and Development, Jakarta, Agency of Religious Research and Development, Education and Training, The Ministry of Religious Affairs, The Republic of Indonesia (Balai Litbang Agama ...