Islamic–Chinese Interaction in Cap Go Meh: Ritual Resistance and Its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v27i03.13629Keywords:
cap go meh, islamic–chinese interaction, ritual resistance, sustainable development goals (sdgs), kemaro islandAbstract
Objective: This study aims to examine Islamic–Chinese interaction during the Cap Go Meh celebration on Kemaro Island, Palembang, by analyzing ritual resistance and cultural dialogue as mechanisms for preserving Chinese cultural identity while fostering interreligious coexistence and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Theoretical framework: The research is grounded in theories of ritual resistance, symbolic interactionism, and multiculturalism, which explain how religious symbols, collective memory, and cultural negotiation shape social integration within plural societies. Literature review: Previous studies have primarily discussed Cap Go Meh from perspectives of tourism, cultural heritage, or Chinese identity, while limited attention has been given to its role as a site of Islamic–Chinese interaction and its relevance to sustainable development. This study addresses that gap by integrating ritual analysis with the SDGs framework. Method: Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with community leaders, religious figures, festival participants, and local residents, complemented by documentary analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic interpretation to identify patterns of symbolic interaction, ritual adaptation, and social acceptance. Results: The findings reveal that ritual symbols, including lanterns, lion dances, incense, and the legendary narrative of Siti Fatimah and Tan Bun An, function as adaptive cultural strategies rather than exclusive religious expressions. These symbols facilitate intercultural dialogue, strengthen mutual trust, and transform historical resistance into collaborative social engagement accepted by the surrounding Muslim community. Such interactions reinforce social cohesion, preserve cultural diversity, and support peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, the festival contributes directly to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening inclusive communities, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting tolerance, dialogue, and social harmony. Implications: The findings demonstrate that local cultural traditions can serve as practical models for intercultural governance and sustainable community development in multicultural societies. Novelty: This study offers a novel perspective by conceptualizing Cap Go Meh as an adaptive arena of ritual resistance that simultaneously functions as a platform for Islamic–Chinese interaction and a cultural mechanism supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
References
[1] T. Syakhsiyyah, D. Safitri, and S. Sujarwo, “Dampak Globalisasi Terhadap Perubahan Budaya Lokal pada Masyarakat,” J. Intelek Insa. Cendikia, vol. 2, no. 6, pp. 12421–12428, 2025.
[2] S. Anjelika, B. Rahman, and B. Darmawan, “Makna Tradisi Murok Jerami sebagai Kearifan Lokal dan Identitas Budaya Masyarakat Agraris di Desa Namang, Kabupaten Bangka Tengah,” J. Penelit. Ilm. Multidisipliner, vol. 2, no. 02, pp. 866–879, 2025.
[3] A. Habibi, “Cultural resilience and preservation: Strategies for maintaining local identity in Indonesia,” in ICESH Conference Proceedings, 2024, pp. 1–15.
[4] H. Yetti, F. Despita, A. Yetri, and D. Wardiman, “Cultural adaptation of the Kerinci community in a modernizing world,” Indig. Southeast Asian Stud. J., vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 1–25, 2025.
[5] B. M. Maulidi, “Constructing cultural resilience through agrarian rituals in Banyuwangi,” Aristo Soc. Polit. & Hum. J., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 82–99, 2025.
[6] A. Gunawan, “Cultural memory and ethnic identity in the Cap Go Meh festival,” J. Komun. Budaya, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 101–119, 2023.
[7] R. Kastoryano, “Multiculturalism and interculturalism: redefining nationhood and solidarity,” Comp. Migr. Stud., vol. 6, no. 1, p. 17, 2018.
[8] J. E. Yulianto, “The everyday conduct of inter-ethnic marriages in Indonesia: participants navigating points of tension and cultivating harmony through adaptive socio-cultural practices: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand.” Massey University, 2022.
[9] F. Risman, “The Dynamics of Cultural Acculturation in Multicultural Societies,” J. Soc. Cult. Humanit. Res., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 10–18, 2025.
[10] Y. Chan and H. Subianto, “Public rituals and ethnic resistance in post-authoritarian Indonesia,” Asian J. Cult. Stud., vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 55–72, 2024.
[11] R. Mandasari, “Cultural tourist attractions at the Cap Go Meh festival in Singkawang City,” J. Syntax Transform., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 45–59, 2023.
[12] L. Ismail, Y. Lumbaa, N. Damayanti, F. A. Jariah, D. Nur, and F. A. Muizunzilah, “Meretas jalan damai pandangan terhadap penyelesaian konflik antar agama: Konflik agama, perdamaian, pluralisme,” Aksiologi J. Pendidik. dan Ilmu Sos., 2024.
[13] M. F. Abrar, “Cultural Peace in the Cap Go Meh Celebration Among the Multiethnic Community on Kemaro Island, Palembang,” Side Sci. Dev. J., vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 155–167, 2025.
[14] E. L. Sutrisno, “Struggling for Multiculturalism: The Revival of Chinese Festivals in Three Cities of Java during the Post-Reformation Era and Its Challenges,” Humaniora, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 33–48, 2023.
[15] C. P. Irawan, T. Purwaningsih, A. B. Safitri, D. Nabila, R. Rudiansyah, and M. Z. Hafizi, “Simbolisme dan makna ritual pembakaran naga pada festival Cap Go Meh di Pontianak,” J. Pendidik. Sos. Indones., vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 96–106, 2025.
[16] A. Anisah, A. Imron, and M. Basri, “TINJAUAN HISTORIS TENTANG FUNGSI PULAU KEMARO DI PALEMBANG SUMATERA SELATAN TAHUN 1965-2012,” PESAGI (Jurnal Pendidik. dan Penelit. Sejarah), vol. 1, no. 1, 2013.
[17] T. Maharani, “Legenda Siti Fatimah dan Tan Bun An sebagai simbol akulturasi Tionghoa-Melayu,” J. Kebud. Palembang, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 44–53, 2014.
[18] S. Hermansyah, “Islam dan akulturasi budaya lokal di Palembang,” J. Perad. Islam Nusant., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 77–90, 2014.
[19] D. A. A. Rupiassa, “Narratives, symbols, and rituals in indigenous resistance to development in Papua,” J. Sosiol. Reflektif, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 27–50, 2024.
[20] Z. I. Nafian, F. Siska, A. Asnimawati, and W. Wijaya, “Cultural resistance and local identity in Indonesian society,” Sos. & Hum. J., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 33–49, 2025.
[21] R. Barthes, Critical Essays. Northwestern University Press, 1972.
[22] Y. M. Lotman, “Universe of The Mind,” A Semiot. theory Cult., pp. 20–35, 1990.
[23] J. Menchik, Islam and Democracy in Indonesia: Tolerance without Liberalism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016. doi: DOI: 10.1017/CBO9781316344446.
[24] C. Hoon, “Chinese Identity in Post-Suharto Indonesia: Culture, Politics and Media,” Jan. 2008.
[25] P. Allen, “Deconstructing the diaspora: The construction of Chinese-Indonesian Identity in Post-Suharto Indonesia,” Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2005, pp. 128–139. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004213784_012.
[26] M. T. Nguyen, “Traditional Festivals in Southeast Asia: Unity in Diversity ,” J. ISO J. Ilmu Sos. Polit. dan Hum., vol. 5, no. 1 SE-Articles, p. 14, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.53697/iso.v5i1.2321.
[27] B. W. Khairunnisa, “Indonesia’s Engagement in Cultural Diplomacy Shaping its International Image,” Int. J. Soc. Sci. Hum. Res., vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 3252–3259, 2024.
[28] D. Ocón, “Cultural Diplomacy and Co-Operation in ASEAN: The Role of Arts and Culture Festivals,” Hague J. Dipl., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 277–305, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/1871191X-bja10081.
[29] M. R. Somers and G. D. Gibson, “Reclaiming The Epistemological Other: Narrative and The Social Constitution of Identity,” 1993.
[30] J. Assmann, Cultural Memory and Early Civilization: Writing, Remembrance, and Political Imagination. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
[31] S. B. Tan, “The Lion Dances to The Fore : Articulating Chinese Identities in Penang and Medan origins , Significance and Types of Lion Dance,” Senri Ethnol. Rep., vol. 65, pp. 63–78, 2007.
[32] C. E. Ong, M. Ormond, and D. Sulianti, “Performing ‘Chinese-ness’ in Singkawang: Diasporic moorings, festivals and tourism,” Asia Pac. Viewp., vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 41–56, Apr. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/apv.12149.
[33] M. F. S. Heidhues, Golddiggers, farmers, and traders in the" Chinese Districts" of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, vol. 34. SEAP Publications, 2003.
[34] K. M. Chan, “Reclaiming Adat: Contemporary Malaysian Film and Literature,” Sojourn J. Soc. Issues Southeast Asia, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 286–288, 2007.
[35] C. A. Coppel, “Studying Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia,” Singapore Soc. Asian Stud., 2002.
[36] M. Syawaludin and M. S. Fikri, “The Socio-Cultural Roots of Religious Moderation in Indonesia: A Case Study of Palembang and Lampung, Southern Sumatra,” Evol. Stud. Imaginative Cult., no. 14–30, 2024, doi: 10.70082/esiculture.vi.668.
[37] S. Pamuji, “Interreligious Interaction in a Multicultural Society (Case Study: About Tolerance and Harmony in Indonesia),” J. Noesantara Islam. Stud., vol. 1, no. 6, pp. 346–360, 2025, doi: 10.70177/jnis.v1i6.1459.
[38] Nugroho, A. Idi, A. Mardiah, and Z. F. S. Zain, “Chinese New Year Celebrations: A Reproduction of Muslim Chinese Culture in Palembang,” Religia, vol. 27, no. 1 SE-Articles, pp. 1–12, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.28918/religia.v27i1.2323.
[39] A. Wise and S. Velayutham, Everyday Multiculturalism. Springer, 2009.
[40] W. Kymlicka, Politics in The Vernacular: Nationalism, Multiculturalism, and Citizenship. OUP Oxford, 2001.
[41] RA Rodia Fitri Indriani, Fitria Marisya, Hatidah, Marsinah, and M Bambang Purwanto, “Pelestarian Tradisi Perayaan Cap Gomeh di Pulau Kemaro: Revitalisasi Budaya dan Penguatan Identitas Komunitas Tionghoa Palembang,” Melayani J. Pengabdi. Kpd. Masy., vol. 1, no. 4 SE-Articles, pp. 151–160, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.61930/melayani.v1i3.151.
[42] M. F. Abrar, M. S. Agama-agama, U. Sunan, and K. Yogyakarta, “Cultural Peace in the Cap Go Meh Celebration Among the Multiethnic Community on Kemaro Island , Palembang,” SIDE Sci. Dev. J., vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 155–167, 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.59613/217dy819.
[43] E. P. Hardyanti, E. Gustia, K. F. Nasifa, Fadilla Saputri, Delmira Syafrini, and N. Susilawati, “Persepsi Masyarakat Minangkabau terhadap Perayaan Cap Go Meh sebagai Akulturasi Budaya di Kota Padang,” Soc. Empir., vol. 2, no. 1 SE-Budaya & Identitas Sosial, pp. 53–61, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.24036/scemp.v2i1.91.
[44] S. Hall, S. Nixon, and J. Evans, Representation: cultural representations and signifying practices. SAGE Publications Limited, 2024.
[45] Ash Amin, “Ethnicity and the Multicultural City: Living with Diversity,” Environ. Plan. A Econ. Sp., vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 959–980, Jun. 2002, doi: 10.1068/a3537.
[46] D. Maharani, “Makna Pariwisata Pulau Kemaro Menurut Pengunjung Dan Perilaku Komunikasinya,” J. Kaji. Komun., vol. 2, no. 1, p. 73, 2014, doi: 10.24198/jkk.v2i1.6053.
[47] Y. Handayani and R. Suaidi, “Toleransi Antar Umat Beragama (Studi Kasus Keluarga Islam dan Keluarga Non Islam di 10 Ulu Palembang),” EL-Ghiroh, vol. 18, no. 01, pp. 25–32, 2020, doi: 10.37092/el-ghiroh.v18i01.140.
[48] R. D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon and schuster, 2000.
[49] J. S. Coleman, “Social Capital in The Creation of Human Capital,” Am. J. Sociol., vol. 94, pp. S95–S120, 1988.
[50] L. Kurniawan, A. J. S. Runturambi, T. Sunaryo, and N. Wijaya, “Cap Go Meh Cultural Tourism as an Effort to Maintain Socio-Cultural Resistance in the Singkawang City,” Int. J. Multi Discip. Sci., vol. 6, no. 2, p. 99, 2023, doi: 10.26737/ij-mds.v6i2.4425.
[51] H. Holina and M. Muhlas, “Toleransi Keagamaan di Kelenteng Chandra Nadi Kota Palembang,” J. Iman dan Spiritualitas, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 109–116, 2023.
[52] F. Marisya, D. Hanadya, N. Auliana, S. Malini, and M. Purwanto, “Pulau Kemaro : Simbol Toleransi Antaragama di Sumatera Selatan,” Cakrawala J. Pengabdi. Masy. Glob., vol. 3, pp. 64–74, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.30640/cakrawala.v3i3.3058.
[53] J. Hick, An Interpretation of Religion: Human Responses to The Transcendent. Yale University Press, 2004.
Downloads
Submitted
Accepted
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Tjik Harun, Ris’an Rusli, Choirun Niswah, Reza Aprianti
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
