Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi
Vol. 18 No. 2 (2025): Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi (Sinta 2)

Communicating Taboos as Conservation Discourse: An Ethnographic Study in Kampung Kuta

Subekti, Priyo (Unknown)
Hafiar, Hanny (Unknown)
Wada, Ibrahim (Unknown)
Perbawasari, Susie (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Modernization and tourism pose significant threats to traditional ecological knowledge in many indigenous communities. This study aims to analyze the communication, preservation, and adaptation of pamali, the customary norms that protect Leuweung Gede (the Forbidden Forest) in Kampung Kuta, West Java, amid social and cultural changes. This research utilized a communication ethnography framework and Dell Hymes's SPEAKING paradigm (Setting, Participants, Ends, Act sequence, Key, Instrumentalities, Norms, Genre). It was conducted through participant observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and residents, and document analysis of customary rules and ecotourism policies. The findings indicate that pamali remains an effective mechanism for forest conservation; however, younger generations increasingly interpret it through ecological and scientific perspectives rather than mystical or magical ones.. This shift shows that traditional taboos can evolve to remain relevant in the modern world, even whenchallenged by technology and tourism. The research enhances both academic discourse and practical application by demonstrating that traditional communication serves not only as cultural heritage but also as an effective ecological and social strategy that promotes community sustainability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mediator

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Mediator: Jurnal Komunikasi focuses on communication studies and media. Although centered on communication, the Mediator is open and welcomes the contribution of many disciplines and approaches that meet at crossroads with communication studies. The type of writing is in the form of scientific ...