Dynamics of Social Values and Teaching in the Global Era: Beyond Sekaten Tradition in Surakarta Kingdom

Abstract

This article discusses the meaning of sekaten traditional ceremonies in Surakarta by the Palace, the government, and the community. This is important considering that the sekaten traditional ceremony is a traditional culture that contains local wisdom and moral values that can be used as a guide to developing a civilized social life, but currently tends to be oriented as part of the tourism industry and its meaning is not understood by the community. This research uses descriptive-analytical method with a qualitative approach. Data was collected from informants namely the Surakarta Palace courtiers, the Surakarta City Government, and Islamic religious leaders in Surakarta, traders, and visitors in the sekaten area. The technique used is in-depth interviews and participatory observation of places and events in the sekaten tradition procession. Data analysis was carried out inductively with interactive methods. The results showed that the meaning of the sekaten tradition in the global era had changed from its original meaning as a symbol of the Islamic kingdom, as a symbol of royal power, and as a symbol of Javanese culture. In the global era, the Surakarta palace defines sekaten as a cultural heritage that contains local wisdom, the government defines it as a cultural asset and part of the tourism industry, while people interpret sekaten as syncretism, entertainment and tourist destinations.