Tradition and Sprituality: Cultural Symbolism of Papuan Bakar Batu and Korean Chuseok

Papua and Chuseok from South Korea, within a global context, employing Clifford Geertz's theory of cultural symbolism. Bakar Batu is a deeply rooted culinary and communal ritual in Papua, bringing people together in a shared act of cooking that honors ancestral spirits and nature. In comparison, Chuseok is a Korean harvest festival that celebrates gratitude for the year's abundance and includes ancestral rites and communal sharing of traditional foods. This study uses a qualitative approach to examine the symbolic meanings embedded in these two traditions through literature review and thematic data analysis. The findings reveal that, despite the forces of globalization and modernization, both Bakar Batu and Chuseok uphold collective identity and spiritual values, illustrating Geertz's perspective that symbols embody culture and reinforce social unity and cultural continuity. Each tradition, while evolving, remains resilient in preserving its symbolic meaning, underscoring the global relevance of cultural rituals in affirming identity, fostering community solidarity, and transmitting spiritual values across generations. This study contributes to global discourses on cultural preservation, emphasizing the universal role of ritual in sustaining identity and social cohesion amidst diverse cultural landscapes.

The Customary Marriage of Samin Penghayat in Tulang Bawang Regency, Lampung, Indonesia

The marriage of the Samin people in Lampung Province is conducted in a customary manner. The Samin people experience many obstacles in the process of registering their marriage officially through state institutions. The purpose of this article is to describe the Samin traditional marriage and then analyze the reasons why the Samin community conducts traditional marriages. This article uses a qualitative method, the object of research was conducted on the Samin community in Tulang Bawang Regency Lampung. Primary data sources were obtained directly from Samin traditional leaders and the community who performed traditional marriages. Secondary data sources were obtained through Samin guidebooks and journals related to Samin studies. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the marriage process of the Samin community in Tulang Bawang Regency was carried out through several stages including: (1) nyumuk, (2) ngendek, (3) nyuwito, (4) paseksen, (tingkep). Samin traditional marriage does not yet have authentic legality. The legal status of the marriage is only valid in the eyes of the customary law of the adherents but not in the eyes of Indonesian marriage law. The reasons why Samin people do not officially register their marriages are 1). The Samin organization has not been registered with the Directorate of Trust of the Ministry of Culture as a marriage registration officer 2). Samin leaders have not been registered with the Ministry because they do not have a Registered Certificate (SKT). 3) Their ancestors did not teach that marriage should be registered

Across Seas and Cultures: The Hajj Journeys of Sulu Muslims and Their Malay World Parallels

This research explores the maritime Hajj journeys of Sulu Muslims and their connection to the cultural and religious dynamics of the broader Malay world. The maritime pilgrimage, especially within the context of Sulu Muslims, remains largely underexplored in existing literature, highlighting a significant research gap in understanding Muslim-minority religious practices. This study aims to address this gap by examining how the maritime Hajj journey impacts Sulu Muslims, a minority in a Catholic-majority country, and their Malay counterparts. Using a qualitative approach, primary sources such as oral histories from pilgrims and archival records uncover the cultural, religious, and social dimensions of these journeys. The research highlights key themes such as the challenges of maritime travel, the role of religious networks, and cultural exchanges during the pilgrimage. The findings reveal that the Hajj not only fulfills a religious duty but also fosters cross-regional identity and solidarity among Muslims in the Sulu Archipelago and Southeast Asia. The study concludes that the Hajj serves as both a spiritual endeavor and a platform for cultural continuity and interregional unity, influencing societal transformation. By capturing these aspects, the research aims to enrich understanding of the Hajj as a multifaceted phenomenon, emphasizing the enduring significance of maritime routes in shaping Southeast Asia’s religious and cultural landscapes

The Suicide Phenomenon and Its Treatment in the Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Perspective

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. The suicide phenomenon in 2023 continues to increase both nationally and internationally. This phenomenon is directly compared to the increasing problems experienced by individuals both internally and externally. This condition needs intensive attention from the public. This study needs to be further studied by public welfare policymakers, social workers, and educators. This article was written to answer two questions. First, how do we map the triggers of suicide behaviour? Second, how does Islam’s psycho-spiritual analysis deal with the problem of suicide? The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with literature studies supported by up-to-date data with verification and proof from various psychological, social, and religious perspectives. The study is expected to contribute to the understanding of suicide triggers, both internal and external, as well as its tactical approach to Islamic psycho-spirituality. Islamic psycho-spirituality is a treatment that involves self-integration from a psychological perspective that affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. The prevention of suicide behaviour from a psycho-spiritual perspective can be done with tarbiyyah ruhaniyyah and spiritual groups.

The History of Sunan Bonang Mandala in The Lasem Chronicle (Carita Lasem)

This article aims to reveal the existence and origins of the establishment of the Sunan Bonang Mandala as narrated in the Carita Lasem text or the Lasem Chronicle. This descriptive-qualitative research employs content analysis methods to analyze the content and socio-historical context within the Lasem Chronicle text. Through content analysis and comparison with other historical data, this research concludes the strong hypothesis of the existence of the Sunan Bonang Mandala in Bonang Village, Lasem District, Rembang Regency. Sunan Bonang. As local historiography, the Lasem Chronicle shows the existence of an Islamic educational center led by Sunan Bonang in the 15th century AD. This text also emphasizes Sunan Bonang's position as a state saint whose missionary territory covers the areas of Tuban, Lasem, and their surroundings. Furthermore, the origins of the establishment of the Sunan Bonang Mandala in the Lasem Chronicle also depict a pattern of Islamic Mandala establishment during the Wali Songo period, where the establishment of Mandala is inseparable from the role of local sovereigns, simultaneously illustrating a positive pattern of sovereign-religious leader relations in the Islamization process in the Nusantara

Hegemoni “Agama Resmi” Dan Ambiguitas Kebebasan Berkeyakinan Penghayat Sapta Darma Di Jember, Jawa Timur

Violations of freedom of religion or belief continue to pose significant challenges to interfaith cooperation. Adherents of indigenous beliefs frequently experience such violations despite the legal and formal guarantees of their religious rights. Believers, as a minority group, are often marginalized and subjected to restrictions, even though their identity is recognized by Constitutional Court Decision Number 97/PUU-XIV/2016. This article examines the hegemonic relationship between "official religion" and adherents of indigenous belief, as well as its impact on the freedom of belief in Sukoreno Village, Jember. The study looks into the practice of hegemony and its implications on the violations of freedom of belief experienced by Sapta Darma Believers. The originality of this research lies in its focus on hegemonic relations through socio-cultural mechanisms. A qualitative methodology is implemented to investigate the disparities in social relations from the standpoint of Sapta Darma believers. Data collection is conducted through semi-structured interviews, supplemented by direct observation to contextualize and comprehend the social practices of interfaith life. The exercise of hegemony include: 1) internalization of Islamic practices within the Sapta Darma community, 2) restriction on certain activities, as well as 3) oversight and regulation concerning permits for the believers. Findings indicate hegemony in the interactions between Muslims and Sapta Darma believers through socio-cultural mechanisms. Although social relations between Muslims and the adherents appear harmonious and peaceful, the potential for violations of religious freedom persists due to the dynamics of majority-minority relations. The believers are compelled to adhere to detrimental policies to sustain harmony and preserve the image of Sukoreno 'Pancasila' Village. The hegemony of the dominant official religion over Sapta Darma belivers engenders ambiguity concerning religious freedom

Implementation of Change Management in Shaping Student Character in the MAPK Program at MAN 1 Yogyakarta

This article discusses the implementation of change management in character education at MAN 1 Yogyakarta, focusing on developing skilled individuals with leadership qualities and the ability to tackle global competition challenges. In the current evolving landscape, where global competition has intensified, students in Indonesia are facing demanding requirements. This research is a case study using a qualitative descriptive method. Besides academic excellence, students also need to possess "soft skills" and "hard skills" that are essential for keeping up with the times. Soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork are crucial in a collaborative work environment. On the other hand, hard skills such as technological proficiency and foreign language skills provide the necessary competitive advantage. To meet these demands, Indonesian education needs to focus on developing both foundational aspects and specific expertise. MAN 1 Yogyakarta recognizes this need and has taken steps to prepare its students according to the required standards of change. They implement programs such as basic leadership training (LDK) and establish a special student organization called OSAKA (Organisasi Siswa Madrasah Aliyah Program Keagamaan) to enhance students' leadership skills, discipline, and sense of responsibility. This activity is a flagship program aimed at enhancing students' abilities in communication, discipline, and leadership. There are also by participating in clubs and organizations such as the Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS), Indonesian Red Cross Youth (PMR), Islamic Spiritual (ROHIS), Scouts, and scientific clubs, students also learn the importance of responsibility and discipline in fulfilling their roles within these organizations

Between Sympathy and Hostility: Acehnese Attitudes towards Rohingya Refugees

This research seeks to explore the perspectives of the Acehnese community regarding Rohingya refugees, emphasizing the contrast between compassion and animosity. The study utilizes a content analysis approach, drawing on secondary data from local Acehnese online media and relevant literature concerning refugee matters in Indonesia from 2022 to 2024.The findings reveal two predominant perspectives: sympathy driven by humanitarian compassion and Islamic solidarity, and hostility arising from concerns over socio-economic burdens and anti-immigrant sentiments. Sympathy is reflected in calls for aiding war victims, while hostility is linked to fears of resource competition and cultural tensions. The implications of this research are twofold. First, it highlights the necessity for culturally sensitive interventions to address misconceptions and fears that foster hostility. Second, it emphasizes the importance of public education campaigns and community engagement to strengthen values of compassion and solidarity. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and humanitarian organizations to develop strategies that balance humanitarian assistance with sustainable socio-economic policies, ensuring harmonious coexistence between host communities and refugees

Warisan Tak Tergantikan: Mengapa Ebeg Purbalingga Perlu Dilestarikan?

Traditional art is an irreplaceable heritage because it contains various noble values, identity markers, and means of connecting with the divine. However, maintaining this heritage is not easy so that it tends to be abandoned by its heirs. This study traces the reasons for maintaining traditional folk art in society by taking the case of Ebeg performing arts in Purbalingga Regency. This study analyzes the social interaction behind the preservation of Ebeg art using the theory of symbolic interactionism which looks at the meaning of symbols given by society to the art to influence its preservation. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and document reviews, which were then analyzed hermeneutically. The results of the study revealed that Ebeg performing arts actually contain noble values aligned with religious education, such as faith, brotherhood, moderation, and patriotism. The inheritance of Ebeg art on the one hand has been supported by The Purbalingga Regency Government in the form of funding and various preservation initiatives. On the other hand, the inheritance of this art is hampered by the perception of illegality, assumptions of negative influences, lack of financial support from the public, poor public understanding, lack of human resources and infrastructure, as well as a decline in art lovers. The results of this study imply that traditional arts require more than government alone. More than that, the community that supports them must be aware of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. One effort to increase awareness is by the harmony between traditional arts and the noble values of religion, and this emphasizes the novelty of the article

Understanding the Role of Spiritual Resilience in Maintaining Marital Stability: Preventing Divorce

Divorce is a complex challenge in the institution of marriage that affects individuals and society at large. This study examines the idea of spiritual resilience to comprehend the internal elements that contribute to keeping marriages stable. We conducted in-depth interviews and observations with married couples in Cirebon using pertinent case studies. A qualitative analysis was conducted to seek a deeper understanding of the role of spiritual values, beliefs, and practices in strengthening the marriage relationship. This study uses Talcott Parson's theory of structural functionalism to explore how marital resilience affects marital stability and reduces the risk of divorce. Through an analytical approach, this article highlights the contribution of spiritual resilience in preventing divorce and provides insights into how to integrate this concept into marriage counseling intervention programs and practices. As such, this article contributes to a better understanding of the important role of spiritual resilience in strengthening marital relationships and preventing divorce in contemporary society