Sociology Education

University of Indonesia Education

Cultural Heritage: Alms of Mount Merapi

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03-08-2022

On Wednesday, July 27-31, 2022, one of the sociology education student groups of the Class of 2019 has carried out the Thematic MPA in Lencoh Village, Selo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java Province. This Thematic FieldWork Lecture or often called the Thematic MPA is held as one of the implementations of the UPI Sociology Education Course every year. This Thematic MPA was attended by 11 female students and 1 accompanying lecturer.

Lencoh Village is the choice of the thematic MPA destination, because it coincides with the Mount Merapi Alms Tradition. A tradition that is routinely carried out every turn of the Islamic new year or 1 Suro in the Javanese calendar. The tradition, which is believed to be a form of gratitude to God for the abundance of produce and asking for protection from all disasters and dangers, was held in a festive manner again, after 2 years after the pandemic was carried out simply. This is justified by the statement of Mr. Paiman Hadi Martono as a Culturalist who presided over the Mount Merapi Alms Ceremony.

"Post-pandemic The alms of Mount Merapi is still carried out but in simple terms, by only shedding the head of a buffalo and being followed by the community in a limited way".

The Alms Tradition of Mount Merapi consists of several series. First, the buffalo kirab from the House of Mr. Paiman Hadi Martono to Joglo Merapi I the place of surrender and slaughter. This year's slaughter was carried out in the yard of Mr. Tono's house as RK (Rukun Keluarga). Second, art performances and decorating the tumpeng of offerings and buffalo heads. Third, namely the culmination of the ceremony with buffalo heads and tumpeng offerings paraded to Joglo Merapi I. The last series is the head of the buffalo and the offerings paraded to Joglo Merapi II (New Selo) which is then handed over to the participants to be declared at the Merapi Bubrah Market. As for the preparation process to its implementation, this Thematic MPA group plays a role in helping to prepare offerings. Whereas in the rest of the series, it can only see without being directly involved.

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