Selametan Sumber Water: Traditional Rituals and Local Wisdom of Muslims in the Hills of Watu Lumbung, Pasuruan

Abstrak

The Selametan Sumber Air tradition in the Watu Lumbung hills, Pasuruan, East Java, represents a form of Muslim local wisdom in the management of water resources that continues to thrive amidst modernization and changing community lifestyles. Ideally (das sollen), the management of water resources should integrate spiritual, ecological, and social values harmoniously. However, in reality (das sein), many traditional practices are increasingly eroded by short-term economic interests and the declining participation of the younger generation, thereby threatening the sustainability of such traditions. This study is significant as it explores a cultural practice that harmonizes religious and ecological dimensions, offering an alternative approach to addressing environmental crises and cultural identity erosion. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a case study design. The informants consisted of religious leaders, community figures, caretakers (juru kunci), and local youth, selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation during the ritual, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, narrative presentation, and conclusion drawing, guided by the theory of social construction by Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann. The findings reveal that the Selametan Sumber Air tradition embodies a syncretism between pre-Islamic beliefs and Islamic teachings, integrated through the figure of Mbah Sumpil, a local charismatic leader. This tradition serves not only as a means of honoring nature and water sources but also holds profound spiritual, social, and economic significance for the community.