Local History & Heritage
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

The Dynamics of the Melengkan Tradition as the Islamic Cultural Heritage of the Gayo Ethnic Community in Kuning II Village

Novia Astari (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Nabila Yasmin (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jul 2026

Abstract

Melengkan is one of the oral traditions that has long been preserved by the Gayo community in Aceh and represents an important form of Islamic cultural heritage embedded in customary life. This study investigates the historical development of the Melengkan tradition, its functions and position in Gayo society, its implementation process, its relationship with Islamic values, and the socio-cultural dynamics influencing its continuity. This research employs a qualitative method using a socio-historical approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, documentation, and literature studies. The primary informants were Ramli, a traditional elder of Kuning II Village, and Adan, a Melengkan practitioner actively involved in customary ceremonies. The findings demonstrate that Melengkan has continuously adapted to changing social conditions while maintaining its essential role as a medium of customary communication, cultural education, social integration, and the transmission of Islamic moral values. The study highlights the novelty that Melengkan's sustainability is shaped by the interaction among cultural preservation, Islamic value integration, and community adaptation to contemporary social change. These findings contribute to socio-cultural and historical studies by illustrating how local traditions remain relevant through cultural adaptation and provide practical insights for strengthening the preservation of Gayo cultural heritage.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

LHH

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities

Description

Local History & Heritage is a peer-reviewed journal published by Medan Resource Center. This journal publishes articles in the scope of local history and cultural heritage about society, traditions, local wisdom, arts, music, culinary, education, intellectual figures, conflict, myth, spirituality, ...