ASSISTANCE IN PRESERVING LOCAL CULTURE THROUGH SARWAH ACTIVITIES IN SAMBIRAMPAK LOR VILLAGE, KRESEK HAMLET

Abstract

Local culture is a heritage or tradition that reflects the identity of a certain region, carried out by the local community, and tends to form a group or community. Local culture, as a source of local wisdom, has an essential role in maintaining social ties within the community. However, challenges such as generational shifts and societal development can threaten its preservation. Sarwah, a religious tradition, is a significant part of local culture, particularly in the Sambirampak Lor village, Dusun Kresek. This activity consists of gathering to read prayers, especially sending blessings to deceased family members. The purpose of this research is to enhance the implementation of Sarwah activities by addressing challenges such as member punctuality and the lack of educational material during the practice. The research employed the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method, focusing on identifying, mobilizing, and utilizing community assets, including religious practices like Sarwah. The results show that through community empowerment, improved discipline, and the inclusion of educational content, the quality of Sarwah has been significantly improved. The long-term impact of this initiative is the strengthening of religious values, discipline, and the sustainability of the Sarwah tradition among younger generations. The findings suggest that ABCD is an effective method in preserving local culture while fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion.