Revitalizing the Unjungan Tradition as a Public Sphere for Strengthening Citizen Engagement in Ranjeng Village, Indramayu Regency

Abstrak

Globalization has brought significant changes to social values and community life, raising concerns among community leaders in Ranjeng Village, Losarang District, Indramayu Regency, regarding the erosion of empathy, solidarity, courtesy, and moral responsibility among residents. In response to these challenges, efforts have been undertaken to revitalize local cultural values through the preservation of the Unjungan tradition. This study aims to examine the role of the Unjungan tradition as a public
sphere in fostering citizen engagement within a rural community while preserving its cultural significance. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews with the village head, youth organization representatives, and community leaders, supported by observation and document analysis. The findings reveal that the Unjungan tradition functions as an effective public sphere by encouraging community participation, strengthening social cohesion, stimulating local economic activities, and providing a platform for public expression and collective aspirations. However, several challenges threaten its sustainability, including the influence of practical political interests associated with village head elections, the growing tendency toward hedonistic lifestyles among younger generations, and the misuse of ancestral burial sites by outsiders for ritual practices that conflict with local religious norms and customary regulations. The study concludes that revitalizing the Unjungan tradition contributes significantly to strengthening citizen engagement and social integration in rural communities. To maintain its relevance and social function as a source of community cohesion, revitalization efforts should be accompanied by the promotion of civic values and religious moderation.