Gumbregan as a Cultural Expression of Sustainability Principles

Climate change and its connection to sustainability have emerged as prominent issues on the global stage. This study investigates how sustainability principles are embedded within Indonesia's local traditions and indigenous wisdom. A notable example is the Gumbregan tradition, a culturally rich practice regularly observed in Jepitu Village, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Accordingly, this research seeks to explore the implementation of sustainability principles in the Gumbregan tradition. As a unique cultural heritage passed down through generations, the Gumbregan ritual involves offering food to livestock with hopes for their continued health and safety. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach and descriptive analysis, data were collected through interviews and analyzed using the stages of data collection, reduction, display, and conclusion. The key insights were then mapped against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The findings indicate that the tools and rituals involved in Gumbregan align closely with SDG 11 and SDG 12. Furthermore, the tradition embodies strong elements of social capital and spirituality, which serve as catalysts for advancing sustainability objectives. This study offers a novel perspective by examining the Gumbregan tradition through the lens of sustainability, in contrast to prior research which has predominantly focused on its religious and cultural dimensions.