Local Wisdom for Global Challenges: Memayu Hayuning Bawono as a Model for Sustainable Environmental Practices

Abstract

The escalating global environmental crises demand an urgent reevaluation and the adoption of sustainable and ecological management practices. Amidst this, the indigenous knowledge encapsulated in local wisdom, such as the Javanese "Memayu Hayuning Bawono" (MHB), offers a unique lens through which communities perceive and interact with their environment. Although MHB has been practiced for generations, a comprehensive understanding of its real-world application and efficacy in contemporary environmental management remains starkly underexplored, presenting a critical research gap. This study embarks on a two-fold objective: 1) to explore the depth and manifestation of MHB within Javanese communities, focusing on its role, significance, and application in environmental stewardship; and 2) to critically evaluate the practicality, challenges, and impact of implementing MHB principles in current environmental management and preservation strategies. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, data were meticulously collected through in-depth interviews and observations, involving local leaders and environmental activists from selected regencies (Lumajang, Pasuruan, Malang, and Tulungagung). Analytical rigor was ensured through the application of Miles and Huberman's interactive analytical model, which encompasses data collection, reduction, display, and conclusion derivation and verification. The study underscores the imperative to amplify indigenous voices and integrate local wisdom into mainstream environmental policies and practices, thereby navigating a path toward more sustainable and culturally resonant environmental management paradigms.