Santhet: (Jurnal Sejarah, Pendidikan Dan Humaniora)
Vol 10 No 3 (2026): SANTHET: (JURNAL SEJARAH, PENDIDIKAN DAN HUMANIORA) 

THE MEANING OF BIBIT, BEBET, BOBOT IN THE SELECTION OF PARTNERS : A STUDY OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN JAVA: Pemaknaan Bibit, Bebet, Bobot dalam Pemilihan Pasangan : Studi Pada Orang Tua dan Anak di Jawa

Tiberia Harsilo (Universitas Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

The concept of bibit, bebet, and bobot represents a traditional cultural framework used by Javanese families in selecting potential life partners. Despite social and cultural transformations in modern society, this value system continues to influence parental perspectives and family decision-making. This study aims to explore the meaning of bibit, bebet, and bobot in partner selection as interpreted by parents and children, and to understand how these values are communicated within the family context. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured focused group discussions involving a pair of parents and one adult child of Javanese ethnicity in Surabaya, as well as netnographic analysis of TikTok videos and public comments discussing the relevance of bibit, bebet, and bobot. The findings indicate that these values remain significant as moral, social, and cultural considerations in choosing a partner. Parents tend to emphasize traditional interpretations related to family background, economic stability, and moral character, while the younger generation interprets these values more flexibly in accordance with contemporary contexts. Communication through storytelling and personal narratives plays a crucial role in transmitting and negotiating these values across generations. This study concludes that bibit, bebet, and bobot remain relevant in modern society when communicated openly and adaptively, allowing negotiation between tradition and present-day relational needs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

santhet

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Other

Description

The aim of this journal publication is to disseminate conceptual thoughts or ideas and research results that have been achieved in the field of history Santhet: (Journal of Education, History and Humanities) mainly focuses on the main problems in the development of the field of history as follows: ...