Amid the rapid development of modern technology, a research team consisting of Elis Suryani Nani, Sumarlina, Rangga Saptya Mohamad Permana, and Wina Erwina has completed an in-depth study. The research, published in October 2024, traces the existence and function of traditional technology that is still preserved by the indigenous community of Kampung Naga in Tasikmalaya, West Java.
This study was motivated by a challenge of our times: the unavoidable, rapid development of technology in the millennial era. This condition demands that the younger generation be adept at filtering incoming foreign cultures while also nurturing and preserving local wisdom. While advanced technology pushes society towards an industrial culture, communities like Kampung Naga demonstrate that traditions can remain steadfast.
One of the communities that is the focus of this study is the indigenous community of Kampung Naga, located in Neglasari Village, Salawu District, Tasikmalaya Regency. This community is widely known for its commitment to preserving the culture, customs, and traditions inherited from their ancestors. It is this attitude that makes Kampung Naga a highly relevant subject for research on how traditional technology endures and remains functional.
To uncover this wealth of local wisdom, the researchers used a descriptive-analytical research method. This approach was enriched with various other study methods such as hermeneutic, sociological, anthropological, and cultural studies. This combination of methods allowed the team not only to document but also to interpret the deep meanings behind each technology used.
The main objective of this research was to comprehensively uncover the diverse traditional technologies present in Kampung Naga. The study includes the identification of various tools used, their practical functions in daily life, as well as the philosophical and cultural meanings contained within them, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the community.
Ultimately, this research is more than just academic documentation; it is a call to reflect on the importance of local wisdom. This study is expected to become a valuable source of knowledge, affirming that traditional technology is a vital part of the nation’s identity that must be continuously nurtured, preserved, and even developed without losing its authenticity.
The full article is available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250209075842_3983.pdf
Authors: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Ariel Mohammad Alief Yusuf
