Irwan Efendi, Diki Wahyu Saputra, Saskia Wulandari

From Ritual to Cultural Tourism: Repositioning Seblang in the Narrative of Banyuwangi City

Introduction

From ritual to cultural tourism: repositioning seblang in the narrative of banyuwangi city. Explore how Banyuwangi's sacred Seblang ritual transformed into a key cultural tourism asset, balancing spiritual preservation with economic growth and city branding. Discover its impact on local pride and tourism.

Abstract

This study examines the transformation of the Seblang ritual in Banyuwangi from a sacred practice to a strategic cultural tourism asset. The Seblang tradition, as one of the cultural heritages of the Using community, has undergone a significant repositioning in the narrative of Banyuwangi city's image development. This research was conducted in an in-depth and direct manner, through observation, intensive interviews, and documentation collection in Olehsari Village, Glagah District. The results of the study indicate that the repositioning of Seblang as part of city branding has succeeded in balancing the preservation of sacred values ​​with the development of the tourism economy. This phenomenon shows how a local tradition that used to be only a village cleaning and ward off disaster ceremony has now transformed into a dynamic part of life, as well as a symbol of regional pride that attracts the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. This transformation does not eliminate the spiritual essence of the ritual, but instead strengthens its existence through wider recognition and appreciation, while also providing a positive impact on the local economy and Banyuwangi's image as a cultural tourism destination.

Review

This study offers a compelling examination of the Seblang ritual's transformation from a deeply sacred practice to a key cultural tourism asset within the narrative of Banyuwangi city. The research tackles a highly relevant topic concerning the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage, community identity, and modern urban branding initiatives. By focusing on the Seblang tradition of the Using community, the authors propose to shed light on how local rituals are strategically repositioned to contribute to a city's image development and economic growth, an area of significant contemporary interest in cultural studies and tourism. The methodology employed, described as in-depth and direct, utilizing observation, intensive interviews, and documentation in Olehsari Village, provides a robust foundation for understanding this complex phenomenon. The findings assert that the repositioning of Seblang as a component of city branding successfully achieves a balance between preserving its sacred values and fostering tourism-driven economic development. The study highlights how this local tradition, once solely a village cleansing ceremony, has evolved into a dynamic cultural event that serves as a symbol of regional pride, attracting both domestic and international visitors. A particularly significant contribution of this research is its assertion that this transformation does not diminish the ritual's spiritual essence; rather, it strengthens its existence through broader recognition and appreciation. This nuanced perspective is vital for discussions on cultural commodification, suggesting that strategic tourism development can coexist with, and even enhance, traditional spiritual significance. The positive impacts on the local economy and Banyuwangi's image as a cultural tourism destination further underscore the practical implications and scholarly value of this study for cultural studies, heritage management, and sustainable tourism development.

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