Abstract:The Mamat tradition as a betel nut chewing practice within the Timor Lelogama community faces significant challenges due to the forces of modernization, which have the potential to weaken social cohesion and collective identity.…
dentity. This condition raises critical questions regarding how Mamat functions as an effective cultural instrument to maintain unity, nurture solidarity, and preserve noble intergenerational values. This study aims to analyze the role of the Mamat tradition as a living and dynamic cultural system amid ongoing social transformation. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic meanings and social functions embedded in the tradition. The findings reveal that Mamat is not merely a habitual practice of betel nut consumption, but a cultural mechanism that strengthens social integration, serves as a medium for conflict reconciliation, and reinforces kinship relations and social respect. The tradition also functions as a vehicle for transmitting cultural values that shape the collective character of the Timor Lelogama community. The novelty of this research lies in its analysis of Mamat as an integrated cultural system encompassing the dimensions of ideas, activities, and cultural artifacts, thereby enriching perspectives on local cultural studies grounded in social practice. The study concludes that preserving the Mamat tradition constitutes a relevant cultural strategy for strengthening social cohesion and sustaining community identity amid the dynamics of globalization.
Abstract:The Naketi Rite constitutes a traditional confession practice that has been preserved and transmitted across generations within the Oemofa community and functions to sustain social harmony. Social transformation and shifting…
ting patterns of communal interaction have posed challenges to the continuity and interpretation of this ritual, thereby necessitating scholarly inquiry capable of comprehensively elucidating its significance. This study addresses the question of how the symbolic meanings, social functions, and moral values embedded in the Naketi Rite shape mechanisms of reconciliation and social integration in Oemofa society. A cultural anthropology approach was employed to interpret the ritual practice through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and a review of relevant literature. The findings indicate that Naketi serves as an institutionalized medium for acknowledging wrongdoing, restoring fractured relationships, and reinforcing collective solidarity through mutually recognized symbolic mechanisms. The ritual cultivates values of honesty, responsibility, self-awareness, and commitment to social cohesion, which contribute to the prevention of prolonged conflict. The study concludes that Naketi is not merely a ceremonial expression but an effective cultural institution that mediates social tensions and reproduces the community’s moral order. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative analysis of the symbolic dimension and social function of the Naketi Rite as a locally grounded reconciliation model, offering relevance for contemporary cultural anthropology and discourse on tradition-based conflict resolution.
Abstract:The Natoni tradition, as an oral cultural heritage of the Timorese community, embodies religious and social dimensions that reflect the relationship between Christian faith and local wisdom. However, the currents of modernization…
rnization and shifts in the lifestyle of younger generations have led to a diminishing understanding of its symbols, ritual language, and moral messages, thereby placing its existence at risk of marginalization. This study addresses the question of how the theological meaning and anthropological values of Natoni are understood and actualized within Christian communities, and to what extent this tradition contributes to the formation of faith identity and social cohesion. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the practice and its meanings. The findings reveal that Natoni functions as a contextual medium of prayer, a means of internalizing faith teachings, a bond of communal solidarity, and a vehicle for transmitting values of respect, responsibility, and intergenerational togetherness. The tradition provides an integrative space between incarnational theology and local cultural realities, thereby enriching contextual expressions of Christian spirituality. The study concludes that the revitalization of Natoni requires synergy among the church, traditional leaders, families, and educational institutions to ensure its continued relevance and responsiveness to contemporary challenges. The novelty of this research lies in its simultaneous integration of theological and anthropological analyses of Natoni as a contextual praxis of faith rather than merely a cultural phenomenon, thus offering a conceptual contribution to the development of Indonesian contextual theology.
Abstract:Massive digital transformation has reshaped patterns of interaction, modes of thinking, and the spiritual construction of the millennial generation, thereby creating serious challenges for the church in nurturing a mature,…
e, authentic, and contextually relevant Christian faith. The abundance of information, instant culture, and growing skepticism toward religious institutions raise a critical research problem concerning how to formulate effective strategies to develop a theologically sound understanding of faith that is also adaptive to digital culture. This study aims to construct a strategic approach that bridges faith tradition and digital dynamics through a qualitative-reflective method based on recent theological literature and critical observation of digital ministry practices. The analysis identifies four primary strategies: contextual proclamation of faith, optimization of digital platforms as spaces for testimony and education, formation of supportive online communities, and strengthening digital and theological literacy among church leaders. The findings indicate that millennials possess a deep spiritual longing but seek integrity, open dialogue, and practical relevance of faith in daily life. The study concludes that a paradigmatic transformation of church ministry is necessary by positioning digital space as a participatory and dialogical locus of spiritual formation, while the novelty of this research lies in the systematic integration of theological reflection and contextual digital pastoral strategies as an adaptive ministry model for the millennial generation in the era of technological disruption.
Abstract:The crisis of integrity, ethical disorientation, and the declining quality of strategic decision-making in contemporary leadership demand a robust and transhistorical normative foundation. The figure of King Solomon in ancient…
ncient Israelite tradition represents a prototype of leadership legitimized by divine wisdom, making it critically relevant for scholarly examination. This study addresses the problem of how the construction of Solomon’s character and the praxis of his wisdom in Old Testament texts can be transformed into a conceptual paradigm for modern leadership without falling into historical romanticism. The objective of this research is to formulate a theoretical leadership model grounded in biblical wisdom through an analysis of Solomon’s character, theological orientation, and decision-making patterns. The method employed is a theological hermeneutical approach integrated with interdisciplinary literature studies, including leadership theory, public ethics, and Old Testament theology. The analysis focuses on key narratives that portray the judicial, administrative, and spiritual dimensions of Solomon’s leadership. The findings indicate that Solomon’s wisdom is theocentric, deliberative, and oriented toward distributive justice, thereby shaping an integrative and visionary model of leadership. The relevance of these findings lies in their capacity to offer a normative framework for leadership formation rooted in transcendent morality while remaining adaptive to modern social complexity. The novelty of this study resides in the formulation of a hermeneutical reconstruction model of Solomonic wisdom as a normative-strategic paradigm for the development of contemporary leadership theory based on sacred texts.
Abstract:Ancient Israelite tradition reflects a patriarchal social structure that positioned men at the center of social, legal, and religious authority, resulting in limitations on women’s rights and roles, including access to inheritance…
inheritance law. This article addresses theological and juridical issues concerning the mechanism of legal change through the narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:1-11, which constitutes a significant turning point in Israelite legal tradition. The research problem focuses on the lack of attention in previous studies to the theological meaning of God’s decision in Numbers 27:7, as earlier research has tended to emphasize socio-cultural aspects, contextual relevance, or purely linguistic analysis. This study employs a qualitative approach based on a literature review, utilizing Hebrew textual exegesis, analysis of Israel’s patriarchal context, and a critical reading through the lens of feminist theology. The findings indicate that the daughters of Zelophehad’s claim was not merely a response to a legal vacuum, but a conscious action that positioned women as active subjects in the process of legal formation. God’s decision affirming their claim underscores divine justice that transcends the limitations of the patriarchal system and corrects institutionalized structural injustice. The conclusion affirms that this narrative presents God as the source of justice who sides with the restoration of the dignity of marginalized groups and opens space for women’s participation as agents of legal change. The novelty of this study lies in its theological interpretation that positions women not only as recipients of inheritance rights, but as pioneers of legitimate and divinely recognized legal transformation. These findings contribute to the development of feminist theology and Old Testament legal studies, while also providing a reflective foundation for gender equality discourse in contemporary theological and religious practice across cultures.
Abstract:The participation of women in various spheres of life has witnessed significant progress; however, it is undeniable that patriarchal culture remains deeply entrenched and continues to reproduce discriminatory practices and…
nd violence against women, including through religious interpretation. In many instances, religion inadvertently reinforces gender inequality through scriptural interpretations that are predominantly shaped by male perspectives and patriarchal structures. Therefore, a hermeneutical approach is required, one capable of deconstructing such biases and rearticulating the voices of women in a just manner. This study aims to interpret Song of Songs 3:1-5 through the lens of feminist literary criticism, specifically employing the “woman as reader” approach developed by Elaine Showalter. This approach emphasizes the experiences, voices, and agency of women as subjects within the text. Through the stages of interpretation, narrative deconstruction, and critical evaluation, the analysis reveals that the female character in this passage is portrayed as an autonomous individual who demonstrates initiative and actively expresses her love and longing. This representation subtly challenges patriarchal constructions that traditionally position women as passive objects in gender relations. On the other hand, the text also opens a reflective space to examine how women, consciously or unconsciously, may contribute to the perpetuation of systems that oppress them. Consequently, a feminist reading of Song of Songs not only unveils the emancipatory potential within the biblical text but also offers a critical and transformative hermeneutical framework. This represents an effort to reclaim a gender-just theological space and to reimagine sacred scripture as a site of both spiritual and social struggle toward justice and equality.
Abstract:Indonesia's religious and cultural diversity necessitates the strengthening of religious moderation capable of maintaining a balance between religious commitment and respect for pluralism. This study aims to analyze the…
concept, implementation, and relevance of M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia during the period of 1983-2025. The research employs a historical method with a qualitative approach through the stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, focusing on M. Quraish Shihab's scholarly works and relevant academic literature. The findings reveal that M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought has developed consistently through a dialogue between the Qur'an, the tradition of Qur'anic exegesis, and the realities of Indonesia's pluralistic society. The concept of wasathiyyah is understood as a principle of balance grounded in justice, public benefit (maslahah), and respect for human dignity. Its implementation is reflected in Tafsir Al-Misbah and his other scholarly works, which contextualize Qur'anic teachings within the spheres of social life, education, and nation-building. This study concludes that M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought constitutes a significant intellectual foundation for strengthening religious moderation in Indonesia. The novelty of this research lies in its historical reconstruction, which comprehensively integrates the evolution of the concept, implementation, and contribution of M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought throughout the 1983-2025 period.
Abstract:Cultural-based tourism has become an important strategy for enhancing community welfare while preserving local cultural heritage. Desa Tua in Buleleng Regency, Bali, possesses significant potential through the bamboo weaving…
ving tradition of the Bali Aga community, which holds substantial economic and cultural value. This study aims to analyze community empowerment through the development of tourism based on cultural weaving products, strengthen the bargaining position of local artisans, and examine efforts to maintain a balance between economic benefits and cultural preservation. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design and involved 150 respondents. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and surveys. The findings reveal that experiential tourism increased average household income by 35% and enhanced women's participation by 42% through their involvement in production activities, training programs, tour guiding, and the management of creative enterprises. Traditional weaving products were successfully developed as the primary tourism attraction, generating greater economic value while preserving cultural integrity through the clear distinction between sacred and commercial products. The utilization of digital media further expanded market access and strengthened product competitiveness. The novelty of this study lies in the development of an integrative model that connects community empowerment, experiential tourism, cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and digital cultural entrepreneurship as a sustainable strategy for cultural tourism development.
Abstract:This study is grounded in the importance of recognizing local wisdom-based educational practices that continue to exist amid the forces of modernization and globalization. The research problem focuses on how ethnopedagogical…
ical practices are implemented by the stone carving community in Muntilan, Magelang Regency, as an alternative educational model capable of transmitting knowledge across generations in a sustainable manner. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method to explore community-based learning processes through family apprenticeship, direct observation, and practical experience that integrates technical skills, aesthetic sensitivity, spiritual values, and Javanese philosophy. The findings reveal a distinctive learning ecology that emphasizes the internalization of tacit knowledge, character formation, and the close relationship between learning processes and socio-cultural life. The community also demonstrates adaptive resilience through its ability to adopt innovation without abandoning core cultural principles. The conclusion confirms that ethnopedagogical practices among the Muntilan stone carvers represent an effective and relevant contextual education model to support the preservation of intangible cultural heritage while addressing the challenges of modern education. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of ethnopedagogy with traditional craft practices as a holistic and sustainable non-formal education system, as well as its contribution to the discourse on decolonizing education and strengthening culturally based vocational education policies.