OPTIMIZATION OF SACRED CEMETERY AS AN ASSET OF SIDOREJO KOTAANYAR VILLAGE

Abstract

The sacred tomb in Dusun Pagar Bata, Sidorejo Village, Kotaanyar District, Probolinggo, is believed to be a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom, holding historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for the local community. This tomb is unique as it does not contain a body but a jar filled with ashes and has an orientation different from typical graves. It is highly respected and serves as the center of various traditional rituals, such as village slametan and spiritual pilgrimages. This study aims to identify the historical and cultural values of the sacred tomb and analyze the preservation efforts carried out by the community. The main issues faced include potential damage due to natural factors, vandalism, and a lack of public awareness regarding the importance of preserving historical sites. The research methods include direct observation, interviews with community leaders, and literature studies on local history and traditions. Documentation of the tomb and surrounding artifacts was also conducted to strengthen the historical and cultural analysis. The results show that the people of Sidorejo Village undertake various preservation efforts, such as routine cleaning, safeguarding sacred objects, restricting access to the tomb, and performing traditional rituals as a form of respect. Additionally, initiatives to document the history of the tomb as part of cultural heritage have been established. Through sustainable preservation, this sacred tomb can serve as an educational resource on history and a religious tourism destination beneficial for future generations.