HARMONY OF CULTURE, RELIGION, AND ENVIRONMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ONE SURO RITUAL IN KEMIRI HAMLET IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF BUDDHIST ECOTHEOLOGY
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Abstract
This study aims to explore the meaning and function of the Metuk Tanggal Satu Suro ritual at Watu Payung Hermitage, Kemiri Hamlet, Temanggung Regency, with a focus on Buddhist values and their relevance to ecological preservation. This research is important because previous studies have largely emphasized the historical or symbolic aspects of Javanese rituals, while the spiritual–ecological dimension has rarely been examined. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders, ritual custodians, and local community members, as well as archival and photographic documentation of the procession. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with validation ensured through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that the ritual is rich in Buddhist symbolism, such as amisa puja and patti-patti puja, reflecting values of morality, compassion, and collective awareness. The ritual functions as both a medium of cultural preservation and a mechanism of ecological conservation, as shown by the sacralization of the Watu Payung area that safeguards local water sources. Moreover, the tradition strengthens community cohesion, serves as a channel for intergenerational transmission of values, and creates an inclusive space for interfaith encounters. This study concludes that local traditions can embody an effective form of ecotheology that sustains harmony between human beings, spirituality, and the environment. The implication is that cultural preservation should not merely be viewed as a tourism asset, but also as a strategy for ecological sustainability and the strengthening of communal identity.
Keywords: Satu Suro Ritual, Javanese Buddhism, Local tradition, Ecotheology, Cultural preservation, Social harmony, Environmental conservation, Banten; Hindu Dharma; Hierophany; Phenomenology.
Masalah akademik penelitian ini adalah terbatasnya penjelasan mengenai bagaimana ritual Satu Suro yang bersifat lokal secara bersamaan menata keberlanjutan budaya Jawa, spiritualitas Buddhis, relasi sosial, dan kesadaran ekologis. Penelitian ini mengkaji ritual Metuk Tanggal Satu Suro di Pertapaan Watu Payung, Dusun Kemiri, Kabupaten Temanggung. Secara metodologis, penelitian menggunakan studi kasus kualitatif berdasarkan data yang dikumpulkan selama kurang lebih enam bulan melalui observasi, wawancara semi-terstruktur dengan pemuka agama, penjaga ritual, perwakilan pemerintah setempat, dan anggota masyarakat, serta dokumentasi foto, tertulis, dan arsip. Data dianalisis melalui kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, dengan triangulasi sumber dan metode. Secara teoretis, antropologi simbolik menjelaskan bagaimana persembahan, gerak penghormatan, prosesi, dan tempat sakral menyampaikan makna budaya, sedangkan ekoteologi Buddhis menafsirkan metta, karuna, upekkha, puja, dan kesalingbergantungan sebagai orientasi etis terhadap makhluk hidup dan lingkungan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ritual tersusun atas kegiatan berkumpul, prosesi sekitar 3 km, puja dan penghormatan leluhur di Watu Payung, persembahan hasil pertanian, serta pertunjukan budaya setelahnya. Ritual memperkuat kohesi sosial, identitas lokal, pewarisan antargenerasi, dan partisipasi yang inklusif. Kesakralan Watu Payung juga mendukung norma masyarakat untuk tidak merusak lingkungan dan oleh para partisipan dikaitkan dengan perlindungan sumber air setempat. Penanaman pohon dan pelepasan satwa dalam beberapa tahun terakhir dicatat sebagai simbol kepedulian lingkungan, tetapi dampak biofisiknya tidak diukur. Dengan demikian, ritual dapat ditafsirkan sebagai bentuk ekoteologi Buddhis lokal pada tingkat makna dan praktik masyarakat.
Kata kunci: Metuk Tanggal Satu Suro; Buddhisme Jawa; ekoteologi Buddhis; tempat sakral; kesadaran lingkungan.
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