Folklore as cultural memory: Local wisdom and cultural identity in Parang Village, Karimunjawa (Cerita rakyat sebagai ingatan budaya: Kearifan tempatan dan identiti budaya di Kampung Parang, Karimunjawa)

Abstract

Kampung Parang, situated on Parang Island, is a component of the Karimunjawa Islands, positioned more than 200 kilometres north of Java Island. Kampung Parang, despite its geographical isolation from the island, preserves a vibrant culture imbued with folklore, which is integral to the development of local identity and collective memory. This study delves into the forms and historical accounts of folklore preserved by the residents of Kampung Parang and analyses how oral narratives are understood, practiced, and passed down from generation to generation. This study employs a qualitative ethnographic approach, incorporating direct interviews with villagers and comprehensive field observation techniques to investigate sites with cultural significance. This study applies a phenomenological framework to identify important values in folklore, including religious devotion, community solidarity, and ecological awareness. These values are not only preserved via storytelling but also reflected in the community's social practices and spirituality. The study's findings highlight the importance of folklore as a repository of local knowledge and a mechanism for cultural resilience. This study underscores the importance of documenting folklore as a cultural preservation strategy to sustain the locality and identity of Kampung Parang. Preserving cultural manifestations safeguards the meanings and values embedded within local tradition and wisdom, preventing their erosion amidst modernizations.