The Dynamics of Social Values and Teaching in the Global Era: The 'Sekaten' Tradition of Surakarta Kingdom

This article discusses the meaning behind the "sekaten" traditional ceremony, as performed in Surakarta by Surakarta palace, the government, and the local community. This is important because the "sekaten" ceremony is a traditional cultural event that encompasses local wisdom and moral values that guide the development of a civilized social life, yet it currently tends to be oriented toward the tourism sector, and its previous meaning is not understood by the local community. This research applies a descriptive analytical method with a qualitative approach. Data were collected from informants, namely staff at Surakarta palace, the Surakarta City Government, and Islamic religious leaders in Surakarta, as well as traders and visitors at the "sekaten." The technique involved in-depth interviews and participatory observation of the places and events involved in the "sekaten" traditional procession. Data analysis was then carried out inductively using interactive methods. The results showed that the meaning behind the "sekaten" tradition has changed in the era of globalization from originally symbolizing the Islamic kingdom and royal power as part of Javanese culture. In the globalization era, the Surakarta palace defines "sekaten" as part of a cultural heritage that encompasses local wisdom, while the government defines it as a cultural asset and an element of the tourism industry. Finally, local people associate "sekaten" with syncretism, entertainment, and tourist destinations.