Realizing Sustainable Development Through the Merti Tirta Amerta Bhumi Ritual in Liyangan Hamlet

Abstract

The Merti Tirta Amerta Bhumi ritual in Liyangan Hamlet, Temanggung, reflects local wisdom in maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and God. As an expression of gratitude for water and earth, the ritual includes prayers, offerings, and processions that strengthen social unity and preserve cultural identity. It also supports sustainable development through a balance of social, environmental, and cultural values. However, modernization and tourism commercialization pose challenges that risk reducing the ritual to mere performance, threatening its spiritual and historical essence at the Liyangan archaeological site. Using a case study approach, this research employs observation, interviews with 25 local informants, and documentation to analyze the ritual’s role in sustainable development. Cultural preservation theory guides the analysis, focusing on perception, adaptation, and the ritual’s core meaning amid commercialization. Data analysis involves reduction, display, and conclusion drawing with source triangulation for validity. The study aims to propose a sustainable cultural tourism model that maintains Liyangan’s spiritual and historical values while providing economic benefits for locals. This research is significant for developing cultural tourism policies rooted in preservation and community participation.