Hana Khaeru Nisa, Sujono Sujono, Budi Wijayanto

Resilience of Historical Heritage The Existence of Wiwitan Tradition within the Dynamics of Farmer Groups in the Modern Era

Introduction

Resilience of historical heritage the existence of wiwitan tradition within the dynamics of farmer groups in the modern era. Explore the resilience of the Wiwitan tradition within farmer groups amid modernization. This study analyzes how group dynamics, especially development and cohesiveness, preserve this agricultural heritage in Yogyakarta.

Abstract

Agriculture is an inseparable part of agrarian culture; however, current agricultural modernization risks eroding local traditional practices due to its focus on efficiency, productivity, and economic gain. This study aims to analyze the relationship between farmer group dynamics and the existence of the Wiwitan tradition in Sindumartani Village, Ngemplak District, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Using a quantitative approach, research was conducted on 35 respondents from two farmer groups with distinct characteristics: the Tani Rukun group, which still preserves the tradition, and the Ngudi Mulyo 1 group, which no longer practices it. Data were collected using likert scale questionnaires and analyzed through correlation tests. The results indicate that the group development and maintenance variables have a very strong positive correlation (r = 0,722; Sig = 0,000) with the existence of the tradition. Furthermore, group goals and group cohesiveness variables show a significant positive correlation at a moderate level (r = 0,448 and 0,450, respectively). Conversely, group structure, task functions, and group effectiveness do not show statistically significant relationships. This study concludes that farmer group dynamics, particularly in the aspects of development and cohesiveness, play a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of the wiwitan tradition amidst the currents of modernization.

Review

This study offers a timely and relevant investigation into the resilience of the Wiwitan tradition amidst the pressures of agricultural modernization, a critical issue for agrarian cultures worldwide. By examining the relationship between farmer group dynamics and the preservation of this historical heritage in Sindumartani Village, the authors address a significant gap in understanding how local traditions endure. The quantitative approach, comparing two distinct farmer groups, provides a clear framework for analyzing the factors at play, yielding valuable insights into the social mechanisms that either support or undermine cultural continuity. A key strength of this research lies in its empirical identification of specific group dynamic variables that significantly influence tradition's survival. The finding of a very strong positive correlation between group development and maintenance variables and the Wiwitan tradition (r = 0.722) is particularly compelling, as are the significant moderate correlations for group goals and cohesiveness. These results not only confirm the importance of social organization but also pinpoint *which* aspects of group dynamics are most crucial. Furthermore, the explicit declaration that group structure, task functions, and group effectiveness do *not* show statistically significant relationships offers a nuanced understanding, redirecting focus to the more relational and developmental aspects of group life. While the abstract presents robust quantitative findings, a full paper would benefit from a more detailed discussion on the theoretical underpinnings guiding the selection and measurement of the group dynamic variables. Given the relatively small sample size of 35 respondents, a deeper exploration of the generalizability of these findings to broader contexts, perhaps acknowledging specific cultural nuances, would be valuable. Future research could also consider integrating qualitative methods to explore the *mechanisms* through which group development and cohesiveness actively foster the continuity of the Wiwitan tradition. Despite these considerations, this study makes a vital contribution to understanding the social determinants of cultural heritage preservation, offering practical implications for communities and policymakers striving to balance modernization with the safeguarding of invaluable local traditions.

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