Cultural Harmonization through Islamic Education: between Religious Moderation in Javanese Traditions in Penginyongan

Abstract

The Penginyongan community, characterized by its egalitarian and open culture, possesses a unique cultural configuration distinct from the general Islamic traditions in Java. Their moderate and accommodative religious attitudes have prompted further study on the processes of cultural acculturation and assimilation with Islam. This research aims to explore the cultural expressions of the Penginyongan community and how these integrate with Islamic values, while also formulating a framework for culturally-based religious moderation and its application in Islamic education. Through an ethnographic approach, the findings reveal that Islam is harmoniously embraced within Penginyongan culture, as reflected in traditions such as lengger, ebeg, sedekah laut, and sedekah bumi. These cultural practices adapt without losing their local essence, creating a synergy between local wisdom and Islamic teachings. The egalitarian and open nature of the Penginyongan people demonstrates significant potential as a prototype for culturally-based religious moderation, contributing meaningfully to the development of an inclusive and culturally rooted model of religiosity and Islamic education in Indonesia.