This study aims to describe and analyze the social functions of the Bujang Kurap legend as part of the folklore heritage of the Lubuklinggau community. It focuses on exploring how this folktale contributes to maintaining social norms and preserving local cultural identity. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach within a literary ethnography framework. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with community leaders and cultural practitioners in Lubuklinggau, and document analysis of relevant literature. The data were analyzed using an interactive model involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal four main social functions of the Bujang Kurap legend: providing an outlet for the community’s collective aspirations, legitimizing cultural institutions through the recognition of historical sites, serving as a medium for character education among younger generations, and reinforcing social norms to encourage adherence to shared values. The study concludes that the legend is not merely a narrative of the past but also a living cultural resource that helps maintain social cohesion and cultural integrity in the Lubuklinggau community amid ongoing modernization.
Copyrights © 2026