Tradition, Religion, and Social Inclusion: “Sedekah Bumi” as Multicultural Education Strategy in Dermolo Village, Kembang, Jepara

Abstract

Conflict has happened since 2002 among society in Dermolo due to the use of worship place (church) at Dermolo. The impact of social order to the community is almost all Christians are excluded by Muslims as the majority religion. “Sedekah Bumi” tradition becomes a powerful media in Dermolo to create space of social inclusion because in the process always involve all plural society. The data collection was carried out through interviews with key actors as research informants consisting of village officials, religious leaders (clerics, clergy, and Buddhist clerics) to explore the values of multicultural education beyond “Sedekah Bumi” tradition. In order to better understand, the researchers also use observation technique to trace latent conflict surrounding Christian citizens vis a vis Muslims. Documentation technique becomes the third alternative used to browse related documents either notes, photos, or articles describing the process of “Sedekah Bumi” as a cultural ceremony integrating tradition aspects with religious dimension. All data obtained is, the, analyzed using descriptive analysis technique with phenomenological aspects. The steps include data reduction, followed by data presentation, and being endedby drawing conclusions and verifications.  Apparently, “Sedekah Bumi” that has been going on for generations in Dermolo provides an opportunity for residents, regardless of their religious background, to mingle and interact each other.  Thus, it will naturally reduce conflict and prejudice. Finally, it can be concluded that “Sedekah Bumi” is a multicultural education strategy that functions to foster an inclusive character for community.