Exploring agricultural local wisdom in the indigenous bonokeling community of Banyumas District in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The Bonokeling indigenous community in Pekuncen Village, Jatilawang Sub-district, Banyumas District, Central Java Province, continued to uphold their ancestral beliefs and traditions in their daily social practices, including agricultural activities. This study explored the rich local knowledge and farming practices of the Bonokeling indigenous community in Central Java, Indonesia, particularly those related to rice cultivation. The study was conducted qualitatively using a human instrument approach. Data were collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with the community leader and rice farmers in Pekuncen Village. The observation took place over 20 days, involving one community leader and 50 rice farmers. The Bonokeling community had integrated a series of rituals and traditions throughout the rice farming process, from pre-planting to post-harvest. These practices were deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and closely tied to the natural environment, serving as symbols of reverence for divine forces and contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience. The findings highlighted the adaptability of the Bonokeling community to changing environments and their resilience to challenges such as climate change, supported by traditional ecological knowledge in maintaining sustainable farming practices and natural pest control. This study emphasized the urgency of preserving local knowledge to achieve ecological balance and food security within indigenous communities.