Preserving Local Culture in the Globalization Era through Merti Bumi: A Project Report

Abstract

Globalization has a number of consequences either good or bad related to economic, political, cultural aspects, and so on. The people living in Kaliurang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for instance, have their own way to manage possible impacts of globalization by preserving local cultures. The purpose of this report is to discuss the ritual of Merti Bumi as it is assumed that this ceremony is not simply a tradition of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest. This project report intensively reviews current literature, which is selected for synthesis based on its relevance to the topic under study. In addition, unstructured interviews with a former member of Pangesti Jawi has been carried out to add to the information gained from the literature. It is found that Merti Bumi is categorized in terms of informational beliefs which need to be stated and handed down from generation to generation. The ritual is then shared, learned, practiced, and becomes a group of values in Javanese culture. These beliefs and values then become cultural knowledge among members of Javanese culture. Furthermore, Merti Bumi is a medium to bridge the local-global dichotomy. The ritual always focuses on universal issues, such as maintaining a harmonious life with nature presented in a local way.