Ruwatan Sudamala: Preservation of Tradition by the Bawarasa Pametri Budaya Association
Journal
30 September 2025 - 06:54 UTC
Syahrul Hadiyatullah
Abstract
This study examines the efforts to preserve the Ruwatan Sudamala ritual by Bawarasa Pametri Budaya, a cultural community in Malang, Indonesia, in response to its declining popularity due to the influence of modernization. Rooted in classical literature and Javanese-Hindu philosophy, Ruwatan Sudamala faces sustainability challenges due to a lack of public awareness and a decline in ritual practices. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, this study explores the strategies implemented to preserve the tradition. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using an interactive model. The results show that Bawarasa Pametri Budaya preserves this ritual through various systematic initiatives, including the incorporation of historical texts, traditional performances, and community involvement. The approach utilizes knowledge, social networks, and digital platforms to increase awareness and participation, ensuring the ritual remains relevant. Ruwatan Sudamala by Bawarasa Pametri Budaya is held annually with a well-preserved procedure and symbolic elements that reflect the values of honesty, responsibility, care, and transformation. This research emphasizes the effectiveness of community-based efforts in preserving endangered cultural practices, while also demonstrating that the mobilization of resources and integration with modern tools can ensure cultural continuity. This study contributes theoretically and practically to cultural preservation, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to maintain traditions amid the dynamics of modernization.
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