SUNDA WIWITAN SEBAGAI SISTEM SOSIAL BUDAYA DALAM DINAMIKA MASYARAKAT KONTEMPORER

Abstract

This study examines Sunda Wiwitan as a local religion that functions as a socio-cultural system within Sundanese society. The research aims to analyze the role of Sunda Wiwitan’s values, rituals, and cosmology in shaping cultural identity, strengthening social solidarity, and sustaining its existence amid the dynamics of contemporary society. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach based on library research. Data were collected from various scholarly sources, including books, journal articles, research reports, and other relevant documents related to Sunda Wiwitan and the study of local religions. The data were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes associated with the socio-cultural functions of Sunda Wiwitan. The findings indicate that Sunda Wiwitan serves not only as a belief system but also as a socio-cultural mechanism that regulates relationships among individuals, nature, and ancestral traditions. Rituals such as seren taun and ngaruwat bumi play a significant role in reinforcing cultural identity, social solidarity, and ecological awareness. Furthermore, Sunda Wiwitan demonstrates the capacity to adapt to social change through various forms of cultural preservation while maintaining its fundamental values. The study concludes that Sunda Wiwitan plays an important role in sustaining social cohesion and preserving Sundanese cultural identity. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on local religions, cultural anthropology, and the sociology of religion, while emphasizing the importance of preserving local religions as part of Indonesia’s cultural diversity.