The Importance of Preserving Local Culture of the Tengger Tribe in the Digital Era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21154/asanka.v7i2.14507Keywords:
Tenggerese, Cultural Preservation, Digital Era, Digital Ethnography, Networked SocietyAbstract
Although previous studies have examined Tenggerese cultural traditions, local wisdom, indigenous identity, and cultural tourism, limited attention has been paid to how customary authorities, village governments, and younger generations interact to negotiate cultural preservation in digital environments. In particular, the dual role of digital platforms as instruments for cultural documentation and as spaces that may transform cultural meanings and intergenerational transmission remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between customary authority, institutional involvement, youth participation, and digital practices in the preservation of Tenggerese cultural identity. The research method used was a qualitative approach with a digital ethnographic design. Informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique that categorized actors into three main pillars: 1 Dukun Pandita, 2 village government, and 3 the younger generation. Digital practices, particularly the circulation of cultural photographs, ritual videos, and historical narratives through YouTube and TikTok, provide opportunities to document and disseminate Tenggerese traditions beyond their geographical boundaries. However, the circulation of decontextualized cultural content may also simplify ritual meanings and encourage the commodification of cultural practices. The three informant groups provide complementary perspectives on cultural preservation. Dukun Pandita and traditional elders explain the customary authority and symbolic meanings underlying cultural practices. Village government representatives provide insights into institutional policies and local preservation initiatives. Meanwhile, younger generations reveal how cultural identity is interpreted, practiced, and represented through digital platforms. Their perspectives enable the study to examine the interaction between customary legitimacy, institutional support, and intergenerational cultural participation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Basit, Giri Harto Wiratomo, Lujeng Lutvia, Mastina Maksin, Indra Tjahyadi
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