Synergy between myth and local wisdom in ecology balance of climate change in Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Myth does not always receive a negative stigma in life, because some myths are built as effective communication media from generation to generation in environmental conservation. This research describes how myths and local wisdom synergize to build ecological balance in adapting to climate change. The research method is qualitative with an ethnographic approach. The research was carried out on the slopes of Mount Lawu, precisely in Genilangit Village, Poncol Sub-district, Magetan Regency, a region where many myths and local wisdom exist in environmental conservation. The results show that the synergy between myths and local wisdom has contributed to ecological balance. The synergy is shown in the form of values, norms, and customs that are applied to the daily lives of local people in adapting to climate change.