THE TRADITION OF RASULAN AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INTERFAITH TOLERANCE ( A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE GUNUNG KIDUL COMUNITY IN 2025) )
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Abstract
The Rasulan tradition is one of the local cultural traditions that is still preserved by the people of Kepek Village, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta. This tradition not only serves as an expression of gratitude for the harvest, but also has a socio-cultural dimension that plays a role in building social relations in a religiously diverse community. In the context of Indonesia's pluralistic society, the Rasulan Tradition has the potential to serve as a social space that strengthens harmony and tolerance among religious communities through shared cultural participation. This study aims to identify the values of tolerance contained in the Rasulan Tradition and analyze its relevance to strengthening tolerance among religious communities in the social life of the Kepek Village community. The focus of the research is directed at understanding the role of the Rasulan Tradition as a socio-cultural mechanism that supports the creation of mutual respect, togetherness, and social harmony amid differences in beliefs. This study uses a qualitative approach with field research and a sociological perspective on religion. Data collection was conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving community leaders, religious leaders, the Rasulan Tradition committee, and residents of Kepek Village from various religious backgrounds. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and analytically through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that the Rasulan tradition contains values of tolerance that are reflected in attitudes of mutual respect for religious differences, interfaith involvement, mutual cooperation, and a strong sense of unity in diversity. The Rasulan tradition is understood as a shared cultural tradition, not a specific religious ritual, thus allowing the participation of all levels of society without religious discrimination. However, these values of tolerance did not arise solely from the Rasulan tradition, but were already rooted in the social relations of the community, with the Rasulan tradition serving as a socio-cultural space that strengthens and maintains these values. This study acknowledges its limitations in terms of research scope, depth of analysis, and the social context studied. Therefore, further research is recommended to examine other local traditions using a more diverse and comparative approach to enrich academic studies on the relationship between religion, culture, and tolerance in multicultural societies