Tradisi Sedekah Laut di Pantai Teluk Penyu: Akulturasi Budaya dan Dinamika Konflik Sosial

Abstract

The Sedekah Laut tradition at Teluk Penyu Beach, Cilacap, is an annual ritual passed down through generations as an expression of gratitude from the fishing community for their marine harvest. However, over time, this tradition has become a point of contention between local cultural values and religious purification efforts, triggering social conflicts and differing perceptions within the community. This study aims to analyze the factors causing conflicts in the implementation of Sedekah Laut, identify community perceptions of this tradition, and understand how cultural and religious acculturation shapes social dynamics in coastal areas. Using a qualitative approach and a descriptive-analytical method, this study collects data through literature studies and documentation of various sources related to the history, ritual practices, and social conflicts within the Sedekah Laut tradition. The findings indicate that conflicts arise due to ideological differences between groups that uphold the tradition and those who reject it based on religious beliefs, with economic and political factors also influencing these conflicts. Despite challenges, most community members continue to practice this tradition by adapting certain ritual elements. These findings provide insights for policymakers in designing strategies to preserve local culture without neglecting religious values and encourage social dialogue to reduce tensions within the diversity of coastal communities.