Local Culture Revitalization as A Strategy for Rural Community Empowerment (A Case Study in Village Purification Ritual in Agricultural Community at Kebonrejo Village, Subdistrict Kepung, District Kediri, East Java, Indonesia)

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the functions of the revitalization of local culture, especially "Village Purificatin Ritual" for empowerment. Village purification ritual in the villages surrounding the district Kepung is still actively held every year in the month of Muharram. To receive support from all levels of society, the ritual need to be revitalized. Cultural revitalization is began with the ceremony preparation and organization of arts that supports the ceremony. The function of the ceremonies is not only religious, but also social, economic, and maintaining the existence of the local culture. Therefore, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted using functional approach. Data were collected in 2006 with the participative observation, free and in-depth interviews of informants associated with the event organizer. "Village Purificatin Ritual" has a religious function as a gratitude for the overflowing fortune in agricultural activities, safety, with the hope that agricultural product is better in the coming year, 2) provide encouragement for farmers to undertake economic activities, 3) as social integration and harmonization of the villagers , 4) as knowledge transformation medium in running the farm since the villagers are gathered and as well as the forum to promote pesticides via banners ads installed on entertainment stages, 5) gathering small merchants and, 6) hiring local arts workers.

Keywords: revitalization, local culture, village purification ritual, empowerment, rural, Java, Indonesia