Indonesian EFL Journal
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026)

REINTERPRETATION OF THE INGKUNG TRADITION: AN ANALYSIS OF MEANING AND CONTEXT IN JAVANESE SOCIETY BORN IN SUMATRA

Harianto II (Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al-Washliyah)
Sutikno Sutikno (Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al-Washliyah)
Rahmat Kartolo (Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al-Washliyah)
Asnawi Asnawi (Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al-Washliyah)
Herman Herman (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the reinterpretation of the Ingkung offering tradition among Javanese people born in Sumatra, particularly in Karang Anyar Village, Simalungun Regency. The study aims to answer three research questions: (1) What are the symbolic meanings of Ingkung offerings as interpreted by the community? (2) How do these offerings function as a medium of communication with God and ancestors, a symbol of harmony, and a carrier of moral values? (3) How has the Ingkung tradition been adapted in the diaspora context? This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach using Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic framework. Data were collected through participatory and non-participatory observations conducted over three months and in-depth interviews with 12 participants, including community leaders, traditional leaders, and local residents. Document analysis was also used to support the findings. The results reveal that Ingkung offerings function as a complex symbolic system. The Ingkung chicken, shaped in a prostrating position, symbolizes submission and devotion to God; tumpeng rice represents the cosmic mountain and harmony; while fruits signify fertility and prosperity. These elements collectively convey life messages related to gratitude, balance, and social solidarity. The study also finds that the tradition has undergone adaptation in the Sumatran context while maintaining its core philosophical values. This study contributes to the understanding of cultural reinterpretation in diaspora communities and demonstrates the applicability of Peirce’s semiotic framework in analyzing traditional rituals in contemporary socio-cultural settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pub

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The scopes of the journal include critical issues of educational practices in primary, secondary and tertiary education as well as in university level surrounding: English Language Pedagogy Language Acquisition Bilingualism and Multilingualism English language Literacy English for Specific Purposes ...