LITERARY ECOCRITICISM IN THE ORAL TRADITIONS OF CIAMIS REGENCY: CULTURAL CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES IN THE KADATUAN GALUH PAKUAN COMMUNITY

CULTURAL CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES IN THE KADATUAN GALUH PAKUAN COMMUNITY

Abstrak

This study aims to explore and analyze environmental (ecological) values in the oral traditions of the Ciamis community using a literary ecocriticism approach. The research focuses on how folklore, songs (tembang), mantras, and proverbs (petatah-petitih) are inherited to maintain the balance between humans and nature. Ciamis Regency possesses a rich variety of oral traditions, which function not only as entertainment but also contain ecological messages reflecting the community's worldview. However, modern lifestyle shifts have caused these values to be neglected. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected from key cultural sites including Kampung Kuta, Panjalu, Rancah, and Karangkamulyan. The results indicate that Ciamis oral traditions are laden with ecological messages, categorized into four themes: (1) Forest conservation through the "Leuweung Larangan" myth; (2) Water glorification through the "Nyangku" ceremony; (3) Agricultural ethics in "Nyi Sri Pohaci" praises; and (4) Human-animal relationships in the "Ciung Wanara" legend. These traditions serve as vital resources for building environmental awareness and strengthening community character.