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Contact Name
Fakhriati
Contact Email
heritage@kemenag.go.id
Phone
+6221 3920713
Journal Mail Official
heritage@kemenag.go.id
Editorial Address
Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage (Puslitbang Lektur, Khazanah Keagamaan dan Manajemen Organisasi) Gedung Kementerian Agama Lt. 18, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.6 Telp./Faks 62-21-3920713/3920718 Jakarta, INDONESIA
Location
Kota adm. jakarta pusat,
Dki jakarta
INDONESIA
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage
ISSN : 2303243X     EISSN : 24429031     DOI : https://doi.org/10.31291/hn.v11i2
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage, This journal focuses on religious studies (both contemporary and classical), particularly in the fields of Religious Literature, Cultures, and Heritage in Nusantara and Nusantara (Indonesia), and its relation to the same discussion on Southeast Asia, Asian Continents and other continents within International forum of discussion. The subject covers many perspectives such as philosophy, theology, philology, sociology, anthropology, politics, archaeology, art, history, hermeneutics, linguistics, and media studies.
Articles 330 Documents
The Interconnection between Religion and Profane World: The Role of Religious Leaders in Enforcing Human Rights Wibowo, Antonia Rahayu Rosaria
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 14 No. 1 (2025): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v14i1.813

Abstract

The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together emerged from a 2019 meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyeb, in Abu Dhabi. Motivated by deep concern over global suffering and crises, the two religious leaders sought to articulate a vision of unity and peace. Decades earlier, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in response to the aftermath of World War II. Although separated by 71 years, these two documents share fundamental connections. This article explores the intersection of religion and the secular realm, as demonstrated by these texts. A comparative examination highlights the significant role of religious leaders in advocating for human rights beyond theological contexts. The study draws on desk research, incorporating primary data from both documents and secondary sources from academic journals and international organizations. Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutics approach was applied to analyze their themes and implications. Findings reveal two key points of convergence. First, both documents emphasize seven types of human rights. Second, religious and world leaders express a shared commitment to peace and the protection of human dignity. The role of religious figures in human rights enforcement is evident in their call for collective action, urging believers to unite against injustice and wrongdoing.
Banyu Penguripan at Sunan Kudus’s Well: An Interplay of Spiritual Tradition and Ecological Consciousness Mustofa, M. Lutfi; Syihabuddin, Muhammad; Siddik, Syahril
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 14 No. 1 (2025): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v14i1.815

Abstract

This study investigates the significance and function of Banyu Penguripan within the cultural tradition of the Kudus community, focusing on its intersections with spirituality, environmental ethics and local natural resource management surrounding the sacred well of Sunan Kudus. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research incorporates fieldwork that includes in-depth interviews with religious leaders, community members and well custodians, as well as participatory observation of rituals and practices associated with Banyu Penguripan. Complementary documentation was also gathered to support the analysis with relevant secondary data. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns reflecting the integration of spiritual beliefs and environmental ethics, particularly in shaping culture-based conservation models applicable to local resource governance. Findings indicate that Banyu Penguripan functions not merely as a ritual act but as a profound symbol of the interconnected relationship between humans, nature, and the divine. The tradition embodies a form of environmental ethics that fosters communal responsibility for safeguarding natural resources, especially water, as a sacred and shared heritage. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable environmental stewardship by proposing a culturally rooted conservation framework that emphasizes spiritual values as integral to ecological balance and intergenerational sustainability.
The 12-Year Kwan Im Hud Couw Procession: Cultural Heritage, Community Identity, and the Dynamics of Multiculturalism in Tangerang Harianto, Jeni; Lianah; Paulina Simamora, Riris; Adrallisman
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 14 No. 1 (2025): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v14i1.823

Abstract

This study examines the historical, spiritual, and social dimensions of the Kwan Im Hud Couw Procession at Boen Tek Bio Temple ritual, exploring how it has endured and adapted to modernization while preserving its essence. Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, this research integrates participatory observation, in-depth interviews and document analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the procession’s evolving role. Findings of this study reveal that the ritual plays a crucial role in preserving community identity and reinforcing social solidarity. While maintaining its traditional structure, the procession has become increasingly inclusive, fostering broader participation from diverse communities. This study underscores that intangible cultural heritage can persist through community-driven innovations without compromising its traditional roots, offering valuable insights for cultural preservation policies and social integration in multicultural societies.
Blessing (Barakah) as a Social Capital of the Haul Guru Sekumpul: Anthropological and Religious Perspectives Rahmad Kurniawan; Ilfi Nur Diana; Segaf; M. Riza Hafizi
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v14i2.760

Abstract

This study examines the concept of Barakah within the Haul (annual commemoration) of Guru Sekumpul by addressing a key research gap: although Barakah is widely invoked in Islamic discourse, its operational meaning and socio-economic manifestations in contemporary Muslim communities remain underexplored. The research investigates how Barakah functions as spirituality-based social capital that shapes collective behavior and community welfare in Banjar society, South Kalimantan. Using textual data from fatwas, documents, and interviews, complemented by ethnographic observations, the study applies teleological interpretation and content analysis to identify how Barakah is articulated, practiced and socially reproduced during the Haul. The findings indicate, first, that Barakah is conceptualized not merely as divine favor but as an integrated moral framework linking livelihood, emotional composure and communal benefit. Second, Barakah operates as a catalyst for voluntary service, trust-building and large-scale mutual aid, thereby strengthening the community’s social capital. Third, the Haul further ‘institutionalizes’ Islamic economic values, particularly maslahah and falah, hrough routinized acts of charity and cooperation. These insights demonstrate that Barakah serves both spiritual and socio-economic functions, offering an empirical model of how religious rituals can reinforce ethical development practices.
Symbolism of the Siraman Ceremony as a Formative Framework for Faith, Identity and Communal Belonging in ALMA Puteri’s Perpetual Vows Teresia Derung; Lorentius Goa; Rosalia Ina Kii; Leo Danan; Didimus Kebesa Werang; João Francisco Maia
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v14i2.816

Abstract

The siraman (shower) ceremony performed before the perpetual vows of ALMA Puteri in Indonesia represents a unique case of ritual inculturation in Catholic religious life. Nevertheless, its symbolic reinterpretation within a consecrated-vows context has not been systematically examined. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing how the siraman ritual functions as a symbolic, theological and social mediator in the vocational formation of ALMA Puteri candidates. Using a qualitative descriptive–analytical design, data were collected through participant observation, semi‑structured interviews with ten sisters who underwent the ritual, and document analysis. The data were coded thematically and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. he findings reveal three key insights. First, the ritual’s symbolic elements such as blessed water, purple garments, jasmine decorations, and the use of traditional vessels, embody themes of purification, repentance and vocational readiness. Second, the ceremony strengthens communal identity by involving leaders, formators and family members, thereby reinforcing social support and ecclesial belonging. Third, the ritual recontextualizes Javanese cultural symbols within Catholic theological anthropology, demonstrating how indigenous practices can enrich spiritual formation. These findings highlight the siraman ceremony as a meaningful locus of inculturation that integrates cultural heritage with Catholic consecrated life. The study concludes that such rituals can deepen spiritual identity and recommends further research on intercultural formation in women’s religious communities.
"Ngalap Berkah" for Political Power: Tomb Pilgrimage as Spiritual Legitimacy in Yogyakarta's Royal Heritage Sites Wasisto Raharjo Jati
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v15i1.807

Abstract

This article examines tomb pilgrimage, known in Indonesian, particularly Javanese society, as ziarah—not merely as an act of praying for the deceased but as a search for spiritual blessings and power. This special intention motivates the present study to treat tombs as more than cultural heritage sites, recognising them as sources of political fortune as well. Framed by the concepts of pulung and wahyu (divine blessing), the study examines the relationship between tomb pilgrimage and political fortune. Pulung is widely believed to be an abstract symbol of divine power bestowed upon candidates who succeed in elections; here, pulung/wahyu is understood as sacred power associated with deceased royalty, which political aspirants seek to appropriate to bolster their own legitimacy. Fieldwork was conducted at three cultural heritage sites in Yogyakarta, i.e., Wotgaleh, Kotagede, and Imogiri, each regarded as sacred owing to its status as a royal tomb complex, and each attracting numerous visitors, including political candidates, politicians, and bureaucrats, particularly on specific auspicious nights. Data were collected through qualitative methods, drawing on interview transcripts cross-referenced with documentary evidence. The data were derived from in-depth interviews with 30 purposively selected informants, comprising pilgrims and tomb caretakers, together with relevant documentary analysis. The findings indicate that tomb pilgrimage functions as a means of seeking blessings for political fortune, consistent with the prevailing belief that power derives not only from the microcosm but also from the macrocosm. The study concludes that although political competition is a rational contest for power, spiritual blessings continue to play an important role in its pursuit.
Suci dan Damai: Peran Ritual Manyanggar dalam Kohesi Sosial M. Irfan Wahid; Zulkifli; M. Ikhsan Tanggok; Ismatu Ropi; Maida Norahmi
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v15i1.825

Abstract

This study examines the Manyanggar ritual practiced by the Dayak Bakumpai community in Central Kalimantan as a mechanism for social resilience and conflict resolution. Two research questions guide the inquiry: (1) How does Manyanggar function as a symbolic medium for reinforcing social cohesion? (2) In what ways do community members interpret it as a conflict resolution tool? Drawing on an ethnographic approach, the study integrates in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis conducted during fieldwork in 2018. Findings demonstrate that Manyanggar operates as a ritual of purification and symbolic communication, facilitating social bonding and the negotiation of cultural and religious identities. Drawing on symbolic interactionism and Alatas's concept of articulatory labor, the study examines how Manyanggar has evolved within an Islamic moral framework while preserving its indigenous social functions. These findings contribute to broader scholarly discussions on indigenous knowledge systems, vernacular Islamization, and the role of ritual performance in contemporary peacebuilding.
Udep Saree and Matee syahid: Local Ethical Reasoning in Acehnese Anti-Colonial Resistance Muhammad Maulana; Iskandar; Muhammad Hendri; Gustira Monita
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v15i1.881

Abstract

This article examines udep saree, matee syahid; an Acehnese hadih maja expression translated here as "shared dignified life and martyr's death" as a local ethical vocabulary through which anti-colonial resistance in Aceh can be interpreted. Although the expression functions as a single proverbial unit, this study analyzes its two constituent ethical orientations in relational terms, arguing that their meanings are mutually constitutive rather than independent. Drawing on qualitative document analysis, the study engages a corpus that includes hadih maja collections, Acehnese cultural materials, historical accounts, colonial and postcolonial scholarship, news-based memory sources, filmic representations, and memorial inscriptions. The findings demonstrate that udep saree articulates an ethical orientation toward dignity, solidarity, reciprocity, and religious responsibility in communal life, while matee syahid designates a limit condition in which those same values, ie., religious commitment, dignity, and communal obligation, are sustained through sacrificial readiness under colonial domination. Together, the two expressions constitute a shared moral horizon through which resistance was rendered ethically intelligible within Acehnese local moral worlds. This article contributes to heritage studies and postcolonial ethics by demonstrating how proverbial traditions function as repositories of ethical reasoning and how attending to such traditions complicates reductive accounts of resistance as pathology, religious fanaticism, or violence alone.
The Great Mosque of Palembang as Living Religious Heritage: Sacred Space, Institutional Transformation, and Local Islamic Identity Tomy Wijaya; Muhammad Reza Pahlevi; M. Taofik Kurohman; Fatimah Alauwiyah; Yunus Sauman Sabin
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v15i1.882

Abstract

Historic mosques in Indonesia are increasingly recognized as religious heritage sites whose meanings are shaped by shifting political and institutional contexts. Yet scholarship has largely concentrated on architectural preservation and contemporary religious functions, leaving long-term institutional transformations across successive political regimes underexamined. This study investigates the historical transformation of the Great Mosque of Palembang as a sacred space and living religious heritage, spanning the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate through contemporary Indonesia. A qualitative historical methodology was employed, integrating heuristics, source criticism, historical interpretation, and historiography. Data were drawn from historical literature, academic publications, Dutch colonial records, government documents, and visual materials from the KITLV Digital Collections. The findings reveal three distinct institutional transformations. During the sultanate period, the mosque functioned as a nexus of religious authority and political legitimacy, deeply embedded within royal governance structures. Under Dutch colonial administration, its political role was systematically curtailed through bureaucratic supervision and deliberate depoliticization, though it persisted as a symbol of Islamic identity and community solidarity. Following Indonesian independence, the mosque was incorporated into a modern state religious governance framework and progressively redefined as both a formal religious institution and a protected cultural heritage site. This study argues that sacred space is not inherent but historically constructed and continuously renegotiated through the interplay of religious authority, political power, collective memory, and social transformation. These findings advance scholarship on sacred space theory, religious heritage governance, and historical institutionalism within Southeast Asian Muslim societies
Reconstructing a Damaged Cangkuang Pegon Tafsir: Recovering Local Islamic Intellectual Heritage through Digital Philology in West Java Abd. Faishol; Muhamad Khabib Imdad; Ahmad Aqiel Azkiya; Mohammad Irfan Farraz Haecal
Heritage of Nusantara: International Journal of Religious Literature and Heritage Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): HERITAGE OF NUSANTARA
Publisher : Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31291/hn.v15i1.883

Abstract

This study examines the Tafsir al-Qur'an Pegon Candi Cangkuang (TAPCC), a seventeenth-to-eighteenth-century Qur'anic commentary manuscript preserved at the Cangkuang Temple Cultural Heritage Site, West Java, Indonesia. Written in Javanese Pegon script, the manuscript contains interlinear Qur'anic interpretations that reflect the vernacular exegetical tradition of early Islamization in the Sundanese region. Extensive material deterioration has rendered numerous Pegon glosses faded, fragmented, or partially illegible, substantially limiting scholarly access to the manuscript's interpretive content. Although previous research addressed the manuscript's historical background and codicological features, no systematic attempt has been made to recover its damaged textual readings through digital philological methods. This study addresses that gap by employing an integrated digital philological-codicological approach combining high-resolution digital imaging, controlled image enhancement, diplomatic transliteration, and contextual philological reconstruction. Analysis focuses on selected folios of the Surah al-Kahf section, which exhibit severe ink deterioration and partial gloss loss. The findings demonstrate that digital image enhancement substantially improves the readability of faded Pegon writing and enables the recovery of several previously inaccessible interlinear readings. The reconstructed glosses reveal a pedagogical tafsir structure grounded in the makna gandhul tradition characteristic of  pesantren-based Qur'anic instruction. Codicological evidence further situates the manuscript within seventeenth-to-eighteenth-century Mataram manuscript traditions and illuminates the transmission of Islamic knowledge across Javanese and Sundanese scholarly networks. These findings contribute to the growing scholarship on vernacular Islam, Nusantara manuscript heritage, and the methodological potential of digital philology for recovering damaged Islamic textual traditions in Southeast Asia.