The Role of Sedekah Bumi as a Form of Preserving Local Wisdom in Javanese Society

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of Sedekah Bumi (earth alms) as a means of preserving local wisdom within Javanese society. Method: Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, the research analyzes secondary data drawn from national journals and scholarly books. Data were collected using listening and note-taking techniques, while the validity of findings was ensured through theoretical triangulation. Results: The analysis identifies four central roles of Sedekah Bumi: expressing gratitude to God, preserving ancestral traditions, strengthening social cohesion, and reaffirming cultural identity. These roles illustrate how the ritual serves not only as a religious or cultural activity but also as a dynamic mechanism for sustaining communal values and indigenous knowledge. Novelty: The study contributes to cultural preservation discourse by highlighting Sedekah Bumi as a living tradition that integrates spiritual, social, and historical dimensions of Javanese wisdom. It offers a structured synthesis of literature that affirms the relevance of local rituals in contemporary identity formation and heritage continuity.