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West Science Social and Humanities Studies
Vol. 01, No. 03, September 2023, pp. 98~106
Journal homepage: https://wsj.westscience-press.com/index.php/wsshs
Cultural Preservation in a Globalized World: Strategies for
Sustaining Heritage
Abrar Hiswara1, Adit Mohammad Aziz2, Yenik Pujowati3
1 Universitas Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya and abrar@dsn.ubharajaya.ac.id
2 Institut Agama Islam Muhammadiyah Kotamobagu and aditmohammadaziz@iaimkotamobagu.ac.id
3 Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya and yeniworo@gmail.com
Article Info
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September, 2023
Revised September, 2023
Accepted September, 2023
Cultural preservation in the face of globalization is a pressing concern
for diverse societies worldwide. This research delves into the
complexities of sustaining cultural heritage in the rich and diverse
landscape of Indonesian culture, a nation with a mosaic of traditions,
languages, arts, and customs. Employing a mixed-methods approach
that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, including
interviews, surveys, and content analysis, this study identifies the
challenges and strategies associated with cultural preservation in
Indonesia. The qualitative findings reveal that rapid modernization,
urbanization, media influence, cultural displacement,
commodification, and appropriation pose significant challenges to the
preservation of Indonesia's cultural heritage. These challenges resonate
with global discussions on the impact of globalization on cultural
diversity. Furthermore, qualitative data highlight the importance of
strategies such as cultural education, documentation and archiving,
community involvement, and supportive policy and legislation.
Quantitative survey data reinforce these qualitative insights, indicating
a strong desire among respondents for cultural education,
documentation, community involvement, and policy support. The
majority of respondents expressed awareness of their cultural heritage
and active participation in cultural activities. The implications of this
research extend beyond Indonesia, as the findings provide valuable
insights into the broader discourse on cultural preservation in a
globalizing world. The strategies identified in this study offer potential
solutions for preserving cultural heritage in diverse regions facing
similar challenges. Ultimately, this research underscores the
significance of safeguarding cultural diversity amidst the currents of
globalization.
Keywords:
Cultural, Globalized World,
Sustaining Heritage
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.
Corresponding Author:
Name: Ade Risna Sari
Institution: Universitas Tanjungpura
Email: a.risna.sari@fisip.untan.ac.id
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Vol. 01, No. 03, September 2023, pp. 98~106
1. INTRODUCTION
Social activity has been essential in
reshaping societies and propelling global
transformation. The Human Rights
Movement is one of the largest and longest-
lasting social movements that has influenced
this shift. The Human Rights Movement has
not only raised awareness of various forms of
social injustice but has also sparked societal
reform via its persistent lobbying efforts. It is
distinguished by its emphasis on advocating
for fundamental rights and freedoms for all
individuals [1]–[4].
T Globalization is an inevitable
phenomenon characterized by increased
connectivity and exchange of ideas, goods,
and people across borders [1][2]. It is a socio-
historical process that initially manifested as a
theory and later as a practical necessity,
leading to the constitution of a single market
that engulfs states, regions, and continents [2].
This complex process is linked to the
economic power of large, industrialized states
and, unfortunately, of great transnational
companies [2]. Globalization brings together
countries with different development views,
religions, cultures, and historical
relationships, such as former colonialist
countries and their old colonies [3][2].
Globalization has both positive and
negative impacts on societies. On one hand, it
fosters cross-cultural exchange,
understanding, and economic growth [4]. On
the other hand, it can lead to cultural
assimilation, loss of cultural heritage, and
increased reliance on external resources and
trade [5]. The disconnection between human
populations and the land and water resources
that sustain them has intensified due to
globalization [5]. This has led to spatial
decoupling of agricultural production and
consumption, increasing dependence on food
imports [5].
Globalization has an impact on the
resilience and sustainability of natural
resources [5]. The intensification of
international trade and the globalization of
food commodities have led to increased
pressure on land and water resources [5]. This
can result in environmental degradation and
challenges to the sustainability of natural
resources in the long run [6][7].
Cultural heritage preservation is
crucial in the context of globalization, as it
ensures the transmission of cultural
knowledge and traditions from one
generation to the next [8]. Emphasizing the
authenticity and integrity of heritage
preservation, intangible cultural heritage, and
cultural diversity conforms to international
preservation trends [8]. Local trends include
encouraging community participation,
adaptive reuse, and enhancing local
governments' powers to implement local
cultural governance [8]. The Cultural
Heritage Preservation Act in Taiwan, for
example, has been amended multiple times to
reflect the importance of heritage
preservation and to align with both
globalization and localization trends [8].
The digital economy has a significant
impact on globalization processes,
introducing new terms, categories, concepts,
and tools into the modern world [9]. The
digital economy can positively affect the
development of the IT industry and small and
medium-sized enterprises, which are crucial
for economic development [7]. However, the
Covid-19 pandemic has raised questions
about the impact of globalization on economic
security, with some arguing that it may lead
to de-globalization and a revolutionary
increase in virtualization of economies and
societies [10]. The extent to which the
pandemic will affect globalization or de-
globalization remains uncertain, as
government decisions at the national level are
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Vol. 01, No. 03, September 2023, pp. 98~106
significant but also draw from international
experience [10].
In the perspective of cultural
preservation in the face of globalization,
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation made up of
hundreds of islands and numerous ethnic
groups, presents an interesting case study.
The nation's cultural tapestry, which reflects
the diversity of its people and the depth of its
history, is a mosaic of customs, languages,
arts, and traditions. Traditional crafts, music,
dancing, rituals, food, and art forms all
contribute to Indonesia's distinct cultural
identity.
These elements make up Indonesian
culture. The existence of numerous ethnic
groups, each with its own unique cultural
manifestations, including Javanese,
Sundanese, Balinese, Batak, and many more,
serves as another example of the variety of
Indonesian culture. Notwithstanding its rich
cultural legacy, Indonesia remains vulnerable
to the impacts of globalization. The country is
experiencing fast urbanization, economic
growth, and exposure to popular culture and
international media. These elements may
cause indigenous populations to be uprooted,
ancient customs to be lost, and younger
generations to become disconnected from
their cultural heritage.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Cultural Preservation and
Globalization
Globalization has both positive and
negative implications for cultural
preservation. On one hand, it facilitates the
exchange of cultural knowledge, ideas, and
practices among societies, leading to greater
cross-cultural understanding, appreciation,
and enrichment of cultural diversity [11]. It
also enables diaspora communities to
maintain their cultural ties, often resulting in
vibrant cultural expressions within host
countries [11].
On the other hand, globalization
presents challenges to cultural preservation.
The homogenizing forces of globalization,
such as the spread of Western consumer
culture, can lead to the erosion of indigenous
traditions and values, resulting in a loss of
cultural distinctiveness and identity [11].
Cultural elements may be commodified and
marketed for profit, often stripping them of
their authenticity and cultural significance
[11].
Additionally, globalization can lead
to cultural appropriation, where elements of
one culture are borrowed or imitated by
another culture without proper
acknowledgment or respect for their origins,
which can be particularly detrimental to
marginalized or indigenous communities
[11]. To preserve cultural heritage in the face
of globalization, it is essential to strike a
balance between embracing global
perspectives and preserving local traditions.
This can be achieved by promoting
intercultural communication, fostering global
citizenship, encouraging critical thinking,
nurturing tolerance and inclusion, and
developing cultural sensitivity [12].
Additionally, incorporating traditional art
forms, music, and cultural practices into
educational curricula can help preserve and
revitalize cultural traditions [13].
2.2 Cultural Preservation in Indonesia
Indonesia's cultural preservation
efforts in the face of globalization involve
various strategies and initiatives. Some of
these include: Localism and cultural
preservation policies: Indonesia is focusing on
localism, identity, decentralization, and
cultural approaches to address the challenges
of cultural preservation in a globalized
context [14]. Promotion of traditional games:
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Some schools and communities are
promoting traditional games as
extracurricular activities to preserve local
culture and identity [15]. These games help
establish social-cultural skills and identities
among children and communities. Incentives
and compensation for cultural heritage
preservation: The Indonesian government
provides incentives and compensation to
communities that possess cultural heritage
objects, such as sites or buildings. This
includes relief from taxes and other forms of
support to encourage preservation efforts6.
Language preservation: Efforts are
being made to document and preserve the
diverse languages spoken in Indonesia, such
as the Mentawai language in the Mentawai
Islands Regency [15]. Technologies like
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) are being
explored for their potential in documenting
and preserving cultural heritage sites, such as
Barong Cave in West Java [16]. Indonesia is
working on developing ecological citizenship,
which involves raising citizens' awareness of
the environment and promoting cultural
wisdom to maintain a harmonious
relationship between nature and citizens [17].
Comprehensive overviews of the
traditions, cultures, and kinship norms of
various tribes and ethnic groups in Indonesia
are being documented and studied to better
understand and preserve their unique
cultural aspects [18]. These efforts aim to
maintain Indonesia's rich cultural diversity
and heritage while addressing the challenges
posed by modernization, urbanization, media
influence, and cultural displacement.
3. METHODS
To comprehensively examine the
challenges and strategies associated with
cultural preservation in Indonesia, a mixed-
methods research design will be used. This
approach combines qualitative and
quantitative research methods to gather
diverse data and perspectives.
3.1 Data Collection
Data collection will include a variety
of methods to gain a thorough understanding
of cultural preservation in Indonesia:
Qualitative Data Collection
Qualitative data will be collected
through the following methods:
In-depth Interviews: Semi-structured
interviews will be conducted with key
informants who have expertise in cultural
preservation, community leaders, artists, and
individuals who are actively involved in
cultural preservation efforts in Indonesia.
These interviews will provide rich insights
into their experiences, challenges and
perspectives on cultural preservation.
Content Analysis: Archival materials,
including documents, reports, media
coverage, and academic literature related to
cultural preservation initiatives in Indonesia,
will be subjected to content analysis. This
approach will help uncover historical context
and insights into past and current cultural
preservation efforts.
Quantitative Data Collection
Quantitative data will be collected
through a structured survey distributed to a
sample of the Indonesian population. The
survey instrument will include questions
designed to capture a range of perspectives
and experiences related to cultural
preservation:
Survey Questionnaire: The survey
will include closed-ended questions and
Likert-scale questions addressing topics such
as cultural awareness, participation in
cultural activities, opinions on cultural
preservation strategies, and demographic
information. The questionnaire will be
administered electronically or in hard copy,
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depending on the accessibility of the
respondents.
3.2 Data Analysis
Data analysis will be conducted
separately for qualitative and quantitative
data, using methods appropriate for each type
of data.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative data from interviews and
content analysis will be analyzed using
thematic analysis. Thematic analysis involves
the following steps:
Data Coding: The transcribed
interview data and content analysis findings
will be coded systematically. Codes represent
meaningful units in the data, such as
recurring themes, patterns, or concepts.
Theme Development: Codes will be
grouped into themes based on their similarity
or relevance. The themes will capture key
insights, challenges and strategies relating to
cultural preservation in Indonesia.
Interpretation: The researchers will
interpret the identified themes, exploring the
implications of the themes for cultural
preservation efforts in the context of
globalization.
Cross Validation: To enhance the
validity of qualitative findings, a peer
debriefing or member checking process can be
used, which involves consulting experts or
participants to validate interpretations and
themes.
Quantitative Data Analysis
Quantitative data from the survey
will be analyzed using statistical software.
The analysis will involve the following steps:
Descriptive Statistics: Descriptive
statistics, including frequencies, percentages,
means, and standard deviations, will be
calculated to summarize the survey
responses. This will provide an overview of
the demographic characteristics of the
participants and their opinions on cultural
preservation.
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Qualitative Findings
Through in-depth interviews and
content analysis of archival materials, several
challenges to cultural preservation in
Indonesia emerged:
Modernization and Urbanization:
Respondents noted that rapid modernization
and urbanization are leading to the
displacement of traditional communities and
practices. The lure of urban life and
employment opportunities in cities often
results in the abandonment of traditional
lifestyles in rural areas.
Media Influence: The influence of
global media, especially through television
and the internet, was cited as a significant
challenge. Respondents observed that
Western media and popular culture promote
consumerism and erode traditional values,
especially among the younger generation.
Cultural Displacement: Migration
within Indonesia, as well as to other countries,
contributes to cultural displacement.
Indigenous peoples struggle to maintain their
traditions and languages in new
environments.
Commodification and Appropriation:
Commodification and appropriation of
culture were identified as ongoing challenges.
Traditional art forms, dress, and rituals are
sometimes commercialized without proper
recognition of their cultural significance.
Cultural Preservation Strategies
Participants in the interviews and
content analysis highlighted various
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strategies used or proposed to address these
challenges:
Cultural Education: Many
interviewees emphasized the importance of
cultural education. They believe that
integrating cultural education into the formal
curriculum and community workshops can
instill a sense of cultural pride and identity
among the younger generation.
Documentation and Archiving: The
importance of documenting and archiving
cultural practices and artifacts was
recognized. Respondents stated that
museums, libraries and digital repositories
are valuable resources for preserving and
sharing cultural knowledge.
Community Engagement:
Empowering local communities to take
ownership of their cultural heritage was seen
as a key strategy. Community-led initiatives
are considered more sustainable and
responsive to community needs.
Policies and Legislation: Some
respondents emphasized the role of
government policies and regulations in
protecting cultural heritage. They called for a
legal framework to protect cultural sites,
traditional knowledge and the rights of
indigenous peoples.
4.2 Quantitative Findings
Demographic Characteristics
A total of 200 survey responses were
collected from diverse demographic groups in
Indonesia:
The survey respondents represented
a broad age range, with 18-24-year-olds being
the largest group (31%), followed by 25-34
(25%), 35-44 (20%), 45-54 (13%), and 55 and
above (11%). The survey had a relatively
equal distribution of gender, with 50.5%
identifying as male and 49.5% as female.
Respondents were distributed across various
regions of Indonesia, with urban and rural
areas both well-represented.
Cultural Awareness and
Participation
The survey included questions
related to cultural awareness and
participation. Key findings included:
A majority of respondents (72%)
reported being aware of their cultural
heritage, while 28% indicated limited
awareness. Approximately 68% of
respondents reported actively participating in
cultural activities, while 32% indicated
limited or no participation.
Opinions on Cultural Preservation
Strategies
Survey respondents provided their
opinions on various cultural preservation
strategies:
Nearly 75% of respondents believed
that cultural education, including formal
education and community workshops, was
important for sustaining cultural heritage.
Approximately 68% of respondents
expressed the importance of documenting
and archiving cultural practices and artifacts.
Over 80% of respondents supported
community involvement in cultural
preservation, with many indicating that it was
the most effective strategy. About 62% of
respondents believed that government
policies and legislation were necessary to
protect cultural heritage.
4.3 Discussion
Challenges to Cultural Preservation
The problems covered in the
literature review are consistent with the
qualitative findings. In Indonesia, traditional
groups and customs are still seriously
threatened by modernization and
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urbanization. Rural customs and lifestyles are
lost as a result of rural populations moving to
cities in quest of economic opportunity, a
phenomenon known as urbanization.
Respondents also mentioned the impact of
international media as a challenge.
Indigenous cultural expressions may be
eclipsed by the way Western media portrays
consumerism and Western values, especially
in the eyes of the younger population. This
research emphasizes how important it is to
provide culturally aware media and
instruction in order to counteract these affects.
Cultural preservation initiatives are
further threatened by cultural displacement
resulting from internal migration and
globalization. While they relocate to cities or
other nations, indigenous groups find it
difficult to preserve their customs and
languages. Furthermore, the authenticity and
cultural relevance of traditional activities are
still being impacted by the commodification
and appropriation of cultural aspects. To
properly address these difficulties,
comprehensive measures are required.
Strategies for Cultural Preservation
The approaches that were found in
the qualitative results are in close agreement
with those that were covered in the literature
review. Given that so many respondents
stressed the value of fostering cultural pride
and identity via education, cultural education
became clear as a key tactic. This is consistent
with the notion that cultural education might
enable people to take an active role in
maintaining their heritage. Preservation of
cultural knowledge and artifacts was
considered to depend heavily on
documentation and archiving. The
preservation and exchange of cultural
practices are made possible through
museums, libraries, and digital repositories,
which are vital tools for preserving cultural
legacy.
Respondents to the study expressed a
strong support for community involvement,
which highlights the significance of giving
local communities the authority to take
control of their cultural assets. This strategy
aligns with the community-based programs
that have been emphasized in the literature.
Most respondents also acknowledged the
importance of laws and policies from the
government in preserving cultural heritage.
Indigenous rights, traditional knowledge, and
cultural locations can all be vitally protected
by legal systems.
5. CONCLUSION
This research has delved into the
multifaceted landscape of cultural
preservation in Indonesia within the context
of globalization. By employing a mixed-
methods approach, combining qualitative
and quantitative research methods, the study
uncovered valuable insights into the
challenges and strategies associated with
sustaining Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.
The qualitative findings emphasized the
formidable challenges posed by rapid
modernization, urbanization, media
influence, cultural displacement, and the
commodification and appropriation of
cultural elements. These challenges resonate
not only with the Indonesian context but also
with the broader global discussion on the
impact of globalization on cultural diversity.
Furthermore, the qualitative data
highlighted the importance of strategies such
as cultural education, documentation and
archiving, community involvement, and
supportive policy and legislation. These
strategies emerged as crucial tools in the
arsenal of cultural preservation in Indonesia.
The quantitative survey data reinforced these
qualitative insights, indicating a strong desire
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Vol. 01, No. 03, September 2023, pp. 98~106
among respondents for cultural education,
documentation, community involvement,
and policy support. The majority of
respondents expressed awareness of their
cultural heritage and active participation in
cultural activities, underscoring the resilience
of cultural identity within the Indonesian
populace.
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