NASKAH KUNO TENTANG ROKAT JEMBER

Summary

The video explores the cultural traditions of Jember, Madura, particularly the practice of 'merokat,' a ritual similar to ruwatan, performed during events like weddings and circumcisions. The narrative shares the story of the narrator’s great-grandfather, who, after a spiritual journey, created manuscripts that were passed down through generations. Efforts to digitally preserve these manuscripts are underway to protect them from deterioration. The video also highlights the importance of preserving local cultural heritage amidst the challenges of globalization and technological advancements, reflecting on the community's commitment to maintaining its diverse traditions for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The *merokat* tradition in Jember is similar to the *ruwatan* in Java, performed during significant life events like circumcisions and weddings.
• 😀 *Merokat* involves specific rituals, including the recitation of *Surat Yasin* by 40 people, believed to bring blessings to the individuals involved.
• 😀 Ancient manuscripts, especially those written in *Pegon* or *carakan* scripts, are crucial cultural artifacts in the Jember community.
• 😀 One family manuscript was passed down through generations and later preserved through digitalization to ensure its survival.
• 😀 The manuscript, written by a great-great-grandfather, was found in casual storage and nearly lost due to improper handling.
• 😀 The manuscript's author undertook a spiritual journey across Madura, visiting sacred sites such as Gua Pacul, which contributed to his spiritual writings.
• 😀 The digitization process involved cleaning the manuscripts, sorting them by their condition, and prioritizing the most well-preserved texts first.
• 😀 Community members, including a dedicated individual from Jember, played a significant role in organizing and preserving the manuscripts through digital means.
• 😀 The digitization of these texts helps preserve the cultural diversity of Jember's multi-ethnic community, including Madurese, Javanese, and Balinese people.
• 😀 The preservation of these manuscripts ensures that future generations can access and learn from the rich cultural traditions and rituals of their ancestors.
• 😀 The efforts to preserve the manuscripts are motivated by a sense of responsibility to safeguard the heritage for future generations, even in the face of globalization and technological change.

Q & A

What is the tradition of 'merokat' in Jember?

Merokat is a ritual practiced in the Madura community in Jember, particularly during events like circumcisions or weddings. It involves reciting specific prayers or verses, similar to the 'ruwatan' tradition in Java. The ritual is meant to bring blessings and spiritual well-being.

Why do some people no longer practice 'merokat'?

The decline in the practice of 'merokat' is attributed to a shift in religious consciousness. Some people prefer simpler rituals, such as reading Surat Yasin with a group, instead of the more elaborate traditional practices.

What significance does the number '40' have in the 'merokat' ritual?

The number '40' plays a symbolic role in the ritual, where 40 people gather to recite prayers like Surat Yasin and Surat Ar-Radu. These individuals, usually close family members, help in the spiritual process, and the first person to perform a ritual act, like pouring water, is often a parent.

What is the role of the manuscript mentioned in the script?

The manuscript discussed in the script is a work written by the speaker's great-grandfather. It contains spiritual and religious writings, and the speaker feels a moral responsibility to preserve and digitize it to ensure its survival for future generations.

How was the manuscript preserved and digitized?

The manuscript was preserved through efforts to secure it from potential damage or loss. It was eventually brought to Jember and digitized with the help of individuals like Pak Hanafi, who specializes in digital preservation, allowing it to be shared and protected for the future.

Why did the great-grandfather feel the need to undertake a spiritual journey?

The great-grandfather, who was asked to perform religious readings despite lacking formal training, embarked on a spiritual journey across Madura to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. This journey helped him overcome his sense of inadequacy and enabled him to write the manuscripts.

What role does 'Goa Pacul' play in the speaker's family history?

'Goa Pacul' is a significant spiritual location in Madura. The speaker's great-grandfather performed his spiritual journey in and around this area, which is known for its association with mystical practices and royal retreats, enhancing the spiritual depth of the manuscripts he wrote.

What is the significance of the 'Pandawa Lima' in the ritual practices?

The 'Pandawa Lima' is a central theme in the ritual practices described in the script. It symbolizes the importance of five key elements in the rituals, including five participants, five specific conditions, and five associated preparations. This reflects a sense of balance and completeness in the spiritual practice.

What are the different types of manuscripts mentioned, and how are they categorized?

The manuscripts are categorized by their material and writing style. Some are made of European paper, while others are made of 'geluang' paper. The scripts include Pegon, a Javanese Arabic script, and Carakan, a Javanese alphabet. The manuscripts are being prioritized for digitalization based on their condition.

How does the process of digitalizing the manuscripts in Jember work?

The process involves collecting and organizing the manuscripts in one location. They are then cleaned of dust and mold, and the manuscripts are prioritized for digitalization based on their condition. The first priority is given to manuscripts that are in good condition, followed by medium-sized ones, and large, thick manuscripts are digitized last.