COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO PRESERVE THE BEJAMU SAMAN TRADITION AS A CULTURAL HERITAGE IN BLANGKEJEREN DISTRICT, GAYO LUES REGENCY

The Bejamu Saman tradition in Gayo Lues Regency, particularly in Blangkejeren District, is a cultural heritage practiced as a means of strengthening social ties and brotherhood between villages. It is held during Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and after the harvest season. However, changing times and lifestyles pose challenges to its preservation. This study aims to (1) examine the process of the Bejamu Saman tradition, (2) identify the values contained in the Bejamu Saman tradition as civic virtues, and (3) examine the efforts of the Gayo Lues community to preserve the Bejamu Saman tradition. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach conducted in Blangkejeren District, Gayo Lues Regency. The research subjects consisted of 24 participants, including village heads, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community members directly involved in the implementation of the Bejamu Saman tradition. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques. The results of the study show that (1) the stages of the Bejamu Saman tradition begin with deliberation, invitation (bemango), preparation, welcoming ceremonies, the division of adopted siblings (serinen), reciprocal Saman performances held for two days, and conclude with a farewell ceremony and the presentation of commemorative gifts; (2) the civic virtues reflected in the tradition include unity, mutual cooperation, deliberation, responsibility, mutual respect, and brotherhood; and (3) community efforts to preserve the Bejamu Saman tradition are carried out by involving younger generations, organizing Saman training through art studios, and maintaining solidarity and unity among all village residents.