The living heritage site Kudus Kulon: A case study on muslim community and cultural continuity in Indonesia

Astari Wulandari, Atik Suprapti, Agung Budi Sardjono

Abstract


This study explores how the Muslim community in Kudus Kulon responds to urban planning pressures, commercialization of heritage spaces and shifting demographics. Cultural continuity is sustained through regular religious events, preservation of historic architecture and strong emotional ties to inherited traditions. These practices reinforce the community’s identity and support Kudus Kulon’s status as a living heritage site It focuses on how the community-oriented initiatives play an important role in the area's identity as a "living heritage" site, where religious and cultural events keep pace with the rapid movement of change that is sweeping through this cityscape. The research design takes a qualitative approach since the tool for gathering detailed data concerning the community's roles in preserving tangible and intangible heritage will be in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and direct observations that involve 32 informants.   The data reveal the dynamic heritage preservation process in which social, spatial and psychological dimensions interlink and is driven by religious and cultural caretakers, local foundation and residents through active participation.   Examples of cultural continuity include the annual Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus ritual, preservation of the historic Menara Kudus Mosque and communal gatherings such as kenduri and pengajian kampung. These practices reflect the community’s commitment to sustaining heritage through religious devotion, spatial preservation and intergenerational transmission. This study brings into perspective the importance of the core community for sustaining cultural traditions in the process of modernization, which can give a nuanced understanding of how Islamic heritage keeps alive in Kudus Kulon. The insight gained from this investigation gives wider discourse on the sustainability of living heritage districts and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and change which accordance to the sustainable development goals 11 aims to make urban areas inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

 

Keywords: Community participation,  cultural continuity, islamic heritage, living heritage, muslim community


Keywords


Community participation, cultural continuity, islamic heritage, living heritage, muslim community

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References


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