PENGEMBANGAN PARTISIPATIF INGATAN KOLEKTIF TRADISI BULU GELES MELALUI MEDIUM KONTEMPORER

Abstract

The Bulu Geles oral tradition in Tambakan Village represents a cultural heritage imbued with the social, spiritual, and historical values of Balinese society, particularly in Buleleng. However, the preservation of this collective memory requires contemporary documentation to sustain awareness of the tradition and to prevent shifts in communication patterns and declining youth engagement. This article aims to examine efforts to preserve and develop the Bulu Geles oral tradition through an interdisciplinary approach that utilizes contemporary media as tools for documentation, expression, and dissemination of local knowledge. The paper analyzes two primary sources: (1) the Bulu Geles installation sculpture, which serves as a visual and symbolic representation to raise public awareness of the tradition; and (2) digital content on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others, featuring recordings of performances and local documentaries as forms of revitalization and digital distribution. Using a participatory digital ethnography approach, this study explores how these three mediums function as cultural preservation strategies relevant to the digital age. Preliminary findings suggest that visual and digital media can serve as bridges between tradition and younger generations, while also opening broader participatory spaces in the preservation process. Furthermore, the involvement of local human resources through installation art and online narratives reflects a form of cultural activism that is increasingly vital in sustaining intangible heritage. Thus, the preservation of oral traditions is not merely conservative, but also adaptive and transformative.