Community Identity Research Articles

Exploring The Variety of Jaran Kepang Art: Unique Explorations From Javanese

This article explores the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT by analyzing the form, function, and meaning of Jaran Kepang art across Java. The research investigates how ChatGPT can aid in understanding and preserving traditional cultural arts like Jaran Kepang. ChatGPT offers advanced methods for data analysis, pattern recognition, and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. This study employs cultural anthropology and traditional communication theories, enhanced by ChatGPT-driven analysis, to examine Jaran Kepang's regional differences and thematic patterns. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the research combines literature review, direct observation, and ChatGPT technologies to analyze data. Central Java's Jaran Kepang emphasizes mystical and spiritual elements to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. East Java's version, associated with legends like Ki Sasmita, involves trance performances and moral storytelling. In West Java, linked to the spread of Islam by Sunan Gunung Jati, the art features diverse horse forms in rituals reinforcing community identity. ChatGPT technologies facilitate the analysis of these variations, revealing how each region's Jaran Kepang reflects local adaptation and cultural evolution. The research underscores ChatGPT's potential in enhancing academic knowledge of Javanese culture and advocating for preservation efforts, ensuring traditional arts' legacy in a rapidly advancing technological era.Keywords: jaran kepang; ChatGPT; Javanese culture; mystical value; legend

Transcending Transit Deserts: Participatory Design of Interactive Bicycling Advocacy Tools in an American City

Recent HCI research has focused on developing interactive technologies for cyclists and using technology to promote this activity. However, the community-building and advocacy aspects of cycling remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we explored the integration of urban cycling and participatory technology design to address transportation inequities and promote cycling advocacy in a US city characterized by infrastructural and social disparities. We engaged with nine bicycling advocates from five organizations in Baltimore, USA in participatory design activities to understand their motivations for promoting cycling in urban areas and how interactive technology can aid in creating a cyclist-friendly city. Along with the various practical motivations, we found the participants also promote cycling with a desire to challenge historical discriminatory practices and infrastructural inequalities and as a means of community building and identity expression. We identify three interconnected directions for future change: supporting ancillary bicycle infrastructure and DIY repair practices, changing perceptions through community engagement, and using technology to support community awareness and inclusion. We argue cycling can be a tool for resistance and identity shaping in this context, and participatory design can offer innovative directions for urban designers, policymakers, and system designers to strengthen efforts toward creating inclusive and equitable urban environments.

Educide amid conflict: the struggle of the Palestinian education system

Purpose This paper aims to examine the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on its education system, a phenomenon termed “Educide”. The study documents the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, as well as the targeted killing of students and educators, which impedes current and future access to education. The paper argues that this deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s educational institutions aims to erase Palestinian culture, identity and resilience, thus hindering any prospects for SDG4. The authors emphasize the urgent need for international accountability and support to rebuild Gaza’s education sector, preserving its role in societal development, identity preservation and human rights. Design/methodology/approach This research paper uses a qualitative design, using data gathered through a comprehensive review of both grey and scholarly literature to assess the impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza’s education system. By analyzing official reports, working papers and conference abstracts, the study compiles evidence of the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza. This approach allows for an in-depth understanding of the conflict’s immediate and long-term effects on educational access, infrastructure and cultural preservation. The methodology underscores the critical implications of these findings and calls for urgent international intervention and accountability to protect education in conflict zones. Findings The paper’s findings reveal severe, systematic destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, with extensive loss of life among students and educators. The research shows that this “Educide” disrupts educational access for current and future generations, stifles intellectual growth and threatens the preservation of Palestinian identity and heritage. Evidence indicates that such deliberate targeting aims to destabilize Gaza’s social structure and hinder long-term development. The findings highlight the urgent need for international accountability to halt these acts, safeguard education as a fundamental right and rebuild Gaza’s education system to ensure resilience and continuity amid conflict. Research limitations/implications The research faces several limitations, including reliance on secondary sources, such as gray literature and official reports, which may limit firsthand insights and real-time data accuracy. In addition, the ongoing nature of the conflict restricts access to updated information and complicates direct assessment of damage. The study’s qualitative approach may also limit the ability to quantify the full extent of destruction and long-term impacts on educational outcomes. Finally, the challenging political environment may affect the availability and reliability of certain sources, potentially leading to gaps in comprehensive data on Gaza’s educational infrastructure and human resource losses. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper underscore the urgent need for international intervention to protect Gaza’s education sector. Highlighting the concept of “Educide”, the study calls for policies to prevent the targeting of educational institutions in conflict zones and mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. It advocates for comprehensive support to rebuild Gaza’s educational infrastructure, ensuring students and educators can safely return to learning environments. This research also serves as a foundation for policymakers, NGOs and human rights organizations to implement sustainable educational recovery programs to preserve Palestinian identity, cultural heritage and long-term development amidst ongoing challenges. Social implications The social implications of this paper are profound, as it highlights the erosion of Gaza’s educational foundations and its broader effects on Palestinian society. The systematic destruction of schools and universities disrupts education and impacts community resilience, cultural preservation and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This “Educide” undermines social cohesion by depriving young Palestinians of safe learning environments, vital support networks and prospects for socioeconomic stability. The study emphasizes the need for global support to restore these educational spaces, ensuring that education can continue to foster community strength, identity and hope within Gaza’s society amid conflict. Originality/value This paper is original in its focus on the concept of “Educide” in Gaza, a term describing the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure as a means of cultural and societal erasure. By framing the deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s education sector within a genocidal context, the paper offers a novel perspective on the intersection of conflict, education and cultural preservation. It contributes uniquely to academic and policy discourse by combining documented evidence with a call for international accountability, emphasizing the critical role of education as both a human right and a foundation for resilient societies in conflict zones.

“I Have Become a Warrior in the Xiang Army”: Legacies, Nostalgia, and Identity in Chinese Regional Hip-Hop

Hip-hop and rap music culture have shaped various local cultural forms in Asian countries and regions. This study explores hip-hop cultural politics at a local level, drawing on Chinese regional traditions and knowledge and responding to Western-axis hip-hop culture making. Through an analysis of the corpus of lyrics, videos, and performances of the ‘Huxiang Flow’ hip-hop genre in Hunan, China and 20 semi-structured interviews with Hunanese hip-hop audiences, this study identified how the parochial hip-hop genre has conceived local discursive fields and cultural identity through the rejuvenation of dialects and cultural ingredients and how it has preserved local linguistic and cultural heritages. Our analysis revealed the thoughtful, philosophical, and moral transmission of locality based on school instruction and incorporated in hip-hop music that has been well received by local audiences and communities. Based on our findings, we propose that hip-hop music is a vehicle of identity in the local community, presenting a grassroots, interactive, and critical perspective on the interpretation of identity in locality.

Perspective on traditional village spatial order based on directed weighted networks: a case study of Banliang Village

ABSTRACT This study constructs a directed weighted network among traditional village buildings based on directional similarity and utilizes social network analysis to identify influential buildings affecting spatial order. Key findings include: 1) Centrality Measures; Weighted degree, eigenvector, and betweenness centrality quantify the influence of building nodes in terms of quantity, quality, and importance, respectively. 2) Influential Buildings; High centrality buildings are not necessarily ‘star buildings’. Their impact is implicit and local, contrasting with the explicit and holistic influence of ‘star buildings’. 3) Community Structure; The village forms seven sub-communities with a modularity of 0.681, reflecting ideal community division. Community consistency is influenced by factors like size, the presence of ancient buildings, and morphology. 4) Spatial Order; Centrality distribution among nodes varies between communities. Communities rich in ancient buildings show a complex, organic order, suggesting self-organization, while those with modern buildings exhibit a more rigid layout, indicating imposed order. This research offers methodological insights for traditional village spatial morphology and provides guidance for conservation and planning.

HONOUR, IDENTITY, AND ALIENATION IN FADIA FAQIR’S MY NAME IS SALMA (2007)

This article analyses the relationship between communal identity and honour killings in Fadia Faqir's My Name is Salma through Edward Said's humanist critique. The novel's protagonist, Salma, experiences a deep conflict between individual freedoms and a sense of social belonging. Salma's migration to the United Kingdom symbolises her escape from social norms that foresee her death and her rejection of those norms. However, her exclusion in the new individualistic society and the lack of a sense of belonging lead to her inability to adapt to life in the UK. Salma’s sense of identity is deeply tied to her past and the society in which she grew up, and therefore the individualistic freedoms offered by society cannot resolve her issues. This study revisits My Name is Salma in the context of immigration, interpreting honour killings through the lens of individual and communal identity conflict. For Salma, the individualistic society is not something to be desired, as it leads to a fragmented sense of identity. What she truly desires is to regain her communal identity and feel whole again. The article presents a new perspective on the destructive effects of honour culture and the complex intersection of individual and communal identities. Moreover, it demonstrates that the need to belong to a community can lead individuals to maintain their ties to that community despite violent social norms, such as killing or being killed for honour.

LA SAPOLOGIE : DU CHOC DES CIVILISATIONS A L’IDENTITE SOCIALE DE LA POPULATION CONGOLAISE

Sapology: From the Clash of Civilizations to the Social Identity of the Congolese Population. Known as the art of dressing elegantly and extravagantly, sapology has become a social identity of the Congolese community. Yet, most of the population in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) lives below the poverty line, with less than one US dollar a day. Given this controversial reality, the fundamental questions that this article attempts to answer are namely: - how have exogenous factors significantly contributed to the emergence and evolution of sapology to the point of becoming a culture and social identity of the Congolese community? - And how has sapology impacted the culture and the socio-economic situation of the Congolese community? Several studies in the literature focus on endogenous factors that construct a social identity. However, a few of them analyze how exogenous factors can contribute to constructing a culture and social identity. Using Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilization” theory, the article demonstrates how exogenous factors have significantly contributed to the emergence of sapology to point of becoming a social identity and a modus vivendi (way of life) of the Congolese community.

Improving Coach Competence as an Effort to Improve Science and Technology-Based Sports Achievements at KONI Magetan Regency

Community empowerment is an essential initiative focused on promoting and fostering positive transformations in the areas of sports, social sciences, arts, and cultural community activities. In the realm of sports, community empowerment emphasizes enhancing the quality of human resources, physical fitness, and athletic success at provincial, national, and international stages, thereby shaping the community's identity as an important contributor to sports advancement. A primary objective of this community service initiative (PKM) is to create strategies for improving athletic performance by offering certified physical trainer training and guidance to the KONI Magetan Regency members, assisting them in succeeding at provincial, national, and international contests. Attaining success in sports demands a long-term, structured, and sustainable strategy, vital for developing regional and national sports identities. Community engagement is a crucial element in developing national sports strategies and programs. Empowering sports via the branch leaders of KONI Magetan Regency is essential for promoting community-oriented sports as well as competitive success. The techniques employed in this program consist of educating physical trainers and designing training programs. The education for physical trainers centers on crafting training regimens that cater to the unique requirements of various energy systems, the traits of specific sports disciplines, and the structuring of training over periods to improve athletes' biomotor abilities. Furthermore, the program includes the formulation of physical training strategies aimed at assisting athletes in achieving optimal performance according to set objectives. This training seeks to empower sports coaches at KONI Magetan Regency with the expertise to create impactful programs that enhance athletes' skills and contribute to success. The objective is to cultivate proficient coaches and elite athletes capable of representing Magetan Regency, East Java, and Indonesia on greater platforms.

Cultural Da'wah Harmony of Suran Punden Papringan Gede Tradition in Gunung Tugel Purwokerto

This study intends to identify and thoroughly examine the harmony achieved by cultural da'wah in the Punden Papringan Gede suran ritual in Gunung Tugel, Purwokerto. The local tradition of suran is a form of cultural knowledge that captures the community's identity and social ideals. The research data was gathered through interviews, document analysis, and observation. An anthropological method to qualitative data analysis is used in this study. The study's findings include: (1) the creation of new traditions through the blending of Islam and local culture; and (2) the harmony of cultural da'wah in the suran ritual of Punden Papringan Gede in Gunung Tugel Purwokerto, which is illustrated through a number of events like krigan, tahlilan, selawatan, orphan compensation, tumpengan, and puppets. These ethical values are part of the Suran Papringan Gede tradition on Gunung Tugel Purwokerto: gratitude, prayer requests, unity, relatives, solidarity, and a work ethic. According to the study's results, the cultural da'wah approach is one way to preserve the sustainability of regional customs, promote social cohesiveness, and enhance religious and cultural studies. Additionally, this research contributes in developing of an adaptable da'wah model which may be employed in various regions with related traditions.

Constitutional Space: Multiculturalism and its “Indigenous Dimension"

INTRODUCTION. This article proposes a possible direction of state ethnopolicy in Russia – constitutional multiculturalism, which is formed in the process of functioning and development of national law, especially in relation to indigenous peoples who are essential part of the Russian legal system. The domain of ethnic relations is subject to constitutional changes precisely because the rights of indigenous peoples are not a static legal phenomenon, but a constitutional and legal reality that tends to change along with the developing world. In 2020, Article 69 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation was supplemented with new constitutional purposes (protection of cultural identity, linguistic and cultural diversity in the context of preserving the Russian cultural identity), and therefore it becomes relevant and important to develop them further in legal terms, as well as to justify them with state ideology and theoretical aspects. In particular, multiculturalism is considered as the latest ideology for the development of a multicultural society, which at its core contains the idea of the harmonious coexistence of cultural and ethnic groups whose traditions, practices, and values are recognized by the state.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The author analyzes the works of Western and Russian scientists engaged in the problems of constitutionalism, the constitutions of Russia and other states using the comparative legal method. The functional comparison employed in the study allows to highlight similarities and differences not in the essence and structure of the legal norms of constitutions and regulatory legal acts, but in the functions which they perform, i.e. to understand the effect of the regulation of ethnic relations. The author also uses a problematic comparison, trying to identify and compare the theoretical foundations and legal instruments that exist in different jurisdictions. In this way, the most successful concepts have been formulated and proposed for the national legislation and law enforcement systems.RESEARECH RESULTS. The author states that the most effective ethnic policy in multi-ethnic countries is constitutional multiculturalism, which, however, lacks theoretical justification in Russian legal reality. Close attention in this regard is paid to the "indigenous dimension" of constitutional multiculturalism, which the author considers as special legal aspects in relation to indigenous peoples, unfolding «the cultural identity, ethnic identification, values and knowledge of unique ethnic communities, necessarily enshrined in the basic law of the state.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. Indigenous aspects of constitutional multiculturalism ought to be conceptualized, i.e. to develop new theories and models, systematize legal, structural, economic and other instruments, with the aim of embodying the values and needs of ethnic groups characterized by indigenism in real legal structures, which will allow indigenous peoples to be granted special rights, including the opportunity to choose a special path of development. If in the policy of constitutional multiculturalism, a special role is given to indigenous peoples, capable, with due constitutional and legal support, of maintaining significant forms of cultural identity, ethnic diversity and traditions, then this will meet the requirements of the developing world and modern Russian constitutional legal reality.

Abangan, Kejawen, and the Dream Sellers in Coastal Java

This study explores the socio-cultural dynamics of Javanese coastal communities, emphasizing the existence of their indigenous traditional beliefs: Javanism (Kejawen) with its unique spirituality and Abangan, which practically reflects Islam in a syncretic form blending Javanese culture and Sufism. The research focuses on six regions: Subang, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Rembang, Tuban, and Pasuruan. Using Spradley’s domain, it examines the spiritual frameworks and practices of Kejawen and Abangan, including distinctive traditions such as mysticism and cultural titles. Participatory observations reveal that Kejawen and Abangan communities continue to preserve their beliefs, actively practising them while shaping a communal identity that strengthens social bonds. Ironically, some deviant practices, such as shamanism, charms for wealth, and occultism, are often associated with these groups. The findings also highlight the critical role of religious moderation in safeguarding traditional practices, addressing misuse of beliefs, and promoting harmony. This study offers valuable insights into the resilience of Javanese culture amidst the dynamics of contemporary society.

Improving Graduate Competence in Physical Training and Sports Student Training Programs at Surabaya State University

Community empowerment is an essential effort focused on fostering change in different areas, including athletics, social sciences, arts, and local culture. In the realm of sports, community empowerment aims to improve the quality of human resources, athleticism, and performance at provincial, national, and even global levels. It acts as a tool for molding community identity and is vital for the advancement of sports. A goal of this Community Empowerment Program (PKM) is to provide certified training for physical trainers to students in the Vocational Faculty and the Sports Science and Health Sports Study Programs within the Health Faculty. This initiative seeks to promote sports accomplishments at both student and wider levels, encompassing regional, provincial, national, and international tiers. Developing sports success through a systematic, enduring, and sustainable approach is crucial for creating sports excellence as a regional trait and national identity. Community engagement plays a vital role in influencing national sports policies and programs. The enhancement of sports via the Sports Study Program at FV and FIKK is crucial for achieving both community involvement in sports and sports success. The techniques used consist of training physical trainers and the creation of programs. Physical trainer training emphasizes creating physical conditioning that meets the requirements of particular energy systems, sport traits, and periodization to improve athletes' biomotor abilities. Moreover, attendees are taught how to create physical training plans to enhance athlete performance and achieve established goals. This program aims to prepare FV and FIKK sports students to create training plans that improve athlete performance and lead to success. The aim is to develop proficient coaches and top-performing athletes capable of representing East Java and Indonesia in various competitive arenas.

Membaca Pendidikan dalam Pasar Malam

This study aims to understand night markets as informal educational spaces through an analysis of the concept of deterritorialization from Deleuze and Guattari. As dynamic spaces, night markets are not only an arena for economic transactions, but also a space for cultural interaction, knowledge exchange, and the formation of community identity. This study uses a qualitative approach with participatory observation methods and in-depth interviews with visitors to night markets. The data obtained are then analyzed using a deterritorialization framework to describe how night markets go beyond the formal boundaries of education, creating a fluid and creative learning space. The results of the study show that night markets are an arena for deterritorialization of education, where local values and knowledge, negotiation skills, and cultural adaptation are distributed organically. Night markets show the blurring of the boundaries between economic space and educational space, making them an alternative learning locus that is not bound by formal institutions. In addition, the process of deterritorialization in night markets goes beyond traditional understandings of education by showing that knowledge and learning can thrive in marginal and temporary spaces. This study contributes to the discourse on informal education and marginal spaces, and opens up opportunities for further exploration of the role of non-formal spaces in building a learning society. The night market, as a site of deterritorialization, serves as a concrete example of how education can occur outside institutional control, offering an inclusive and flexible alternative for the dissemination of knowledge.

The Heritage of Emancipation: Collecting the (Invisible) Everyday

Participatory heritage mapping is one of the possible methods for valorizing emancipation practices as cultural heritage. Through the citizen science research project "HEROINES: Heritage of Emancipation - Empowering Roma Women through the Construction of Solidarity Networks", conducted by researchers from the Institute of Etnography, SASA, and the Faculty of Philosophy – University of Belgrade, in cooperation with Roma activists from Belgrade, Kostolac, and Pirot, the heritage of women's activism was defined as a distinct form of everyday life. Moreover, the research is based on the notion that women emancipation practices decisively affect the community's identity and areas of action. After providing a theoretical overview and presenting relevant examples of the process of participatory heritage mapping, this paper analyzes the potential of community mapping methods using the abovementioned example. Additionally, it considers possibilities for interpreting community heritage that, until now, has not been widely represented within official heritage institutions.

Intimate Jurisprudence: Islamic Family Law Between Global Human Rights and French Republican Values

This article explores the intricate dynamics of Islamic family law within the framework of global human rights and French republican values, focusing on the intersection of secularism (laïcité ) and the preservation of religious identity in the Muslim community. Using a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the challenges, adaptations, and conflicts faced by Islamic family law in a secular legal system, with a particular emphasis on gender equality. The findings reveal that Islamic family law in France operates within a complex environment that requires pragmatic solutions. These include informal marriage contracts, community-based mediation, and localized fatwas, which allow Muslim communities to maintain religious practices while navigating the constraints of French secularism. However, these adaptations are not without limitations, as they often place vulnerable groups, particularly women, in precarious positions due to insufficient legal protection and patriarchal interpretations of religious norms. The study further examines the tension between global human rights principles and Islamic family law, particularly in areas such as divorce and inheritance, where gender equality is contested. Despite these challenges, the research highlights the progressive potential within Muslim communities to reform and reinterpret Islamic principles in ways that align with both religious identity and universal justice. This article concludes that Islamic family law in France represents a crucial intersection between tradition and modernity, religion and state. Achieving harmony requires inclusive policies and a deeper cross-cultural dialogue that respects both religious diversity and universal human rights. Such an approach could pave the way for a more pluralistic legal framework that bridges the gap between secularism and Islamic jurisprudence.

Tradisi Grebeg Suro Sebagai Ritual Religi Desa Gerbo Dengan Pendekatan Symbolic Convergence Theory

Grebeg Suro is an important tradition in Javanese culture which is carried out in Gerbo Village, Pasuruan Regency. This tradition combines religious, cultural and social elements, and is a symbol of togetherness and cultural identity of the local community. This research uses the Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) approach to analyze the symbolic meaning and communication processes that occur in the Grebeg Suro tradition. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through interviews and documentation. The research results show that the Grebeg Suro tradition not only functions as a religious celebration, but also as a means of strengthening social relations between village residents and strengthening their cultural identity. Analysis using SCT revealed fantasy themes such as togetherness and cultural identity that emerged in group communication during the Grebeg Suro event. The symbols in this tradition, praying together, sharing food, have deep meanings that reflect the cultural and religious values of the Javanese people in Gerbo Village. This research provides insight into the importance of the Grebeg Suro tradition in maintaining and strengthening social ties and cultural identity of the Gerbo Village community. It is hoped that the results can become a reference for efforts to preserve local culture and develop cultural communication studies.

Aktualisasi Agama Sikh di Indonesia Melalui Media Online

This study aims to understand the efforts of the Sikh religion in Indonesia to actualize itself within the context of online media development. Although Sikh adherents are scattered across various locations, the study focuses on the activities of the Sikh community at the Guru Nanak Social Foundation, the most active Sikh community in utilizing online media, particularly through its YouTube channel, to maintain their identity and culture amidst Indonesia's religious diversity. The research employs a qualitative analysis method on the content produced by this community, including the *"Sikh Indonesia Podcast"* series. Data were collected by observing published video content and analyzing interviews and discussions with community members recorded in podcast formats. The findings indicate that the Sikh community's use of online media serves to preserve tradition and a platform to introduce Sikh religion and culture to a broader audience. Digital content, such as podcasts, plays a crucial in educating the public about Sikh values, strengthening community identity, and facilitating social integration through involvement in social activities like *seva* (community service). This strategy has proven effective in bolstering the Sikh community's existence in Indonesia, expanding public understanding of the Sikh religion, and promoting tolerance within a diverse society.

«Положення про устрій євреїв» 1804 р. як інструмент впливу на ідентичність єврейських громад у Російській імперії

The legal act “Regulations on the Organization of Jews” illustrates the socio-cultural practices of the Jewish community, which were used by them to form and preserve their own identity in the conditions of the discriminatory domestic policy of the Russian Empire. The purpose of this study is to analyze the legal status of the Jewish population in the Russian Empire for further determination: the features of resettlement, the influence of the imperial government on the spiritual and cultural life of Jews. The methodology research is based on general historical and general scientific methods such as: historical-systemic, typological, functional analysis and descriptive. The research also uses the methods of cultural anthropology to analyze social mechanisms of resistance aimed at preserving identity, with a focus on the development of educational, religious and cultural institutions. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the clarification of legal practices of influence on the formation of identities of Jewish communities. Conclusions. Developed by the imperial government, the regulation on the organization of Jews in the Russian Empire was discriminatory in nature, namely: forced integration through language policy, restrictions on wearing traditional clothing, as well as regulation of professional activities. These measures, according to the authorities, were supposed to promote assimilation by weakening the role of socio-cultural practices aimed at preserving Jewish identity. However, they provoked resistance, stimulating the Jewish community to search for new forms of preserving religious and ethnic identity.

Contemporary Limits of Constitutional Patriotism

“Constitutional patriotism” has become one of the common concepts of political philosophy. Emerging in the local context of post-war Germany’s division, it gained particular popularity at the end of the last century in connection with the further globalization and multiculturalization of the world community and the creation of the European Union. Constitutional patriotism is seen, above all, as a more abstract form of social integration, replacing the traditional collective identity of the national community with a liberal-democratic political culture. Thus, it was a response to the criticism of communitarianism towards liberalism regarding the underestimation of the problem of motivating the protection of liberal democratic institutions. The article substantiates the need for a differentiated approach to the analysis of constitutional patriotism. There are two interpretations of constitutional patriotism – cosmopolitarian and particularistic. The paradox of tolerance — the issue of maintaining a tolerant attitude towards groups intolerant of the liberal political culture of society – outlines the existential boundaries of universally interpreted constitutional patriotism. This paradox became relevant as a result of the European migration crisis, as well as hybrid wars, one of the tools of which was the use of democratic institutions to destroy the constitutional order. Modern political incarnations of the paradox of tolerance demonstrate that the autonomy of liberal-democratic political culture always has its limits in preserving the conditions necessary for the existence of political culture itself.

Legal Insights on Symbolism in Traditional Architecture: Protecting Batam’s “Kampung Tua”

In today’s rapidly modernizing world, traditional architecture often faces threats from swift development and urbanization. Protecting traditional architecture is not merely about preserving physical structures; it is about understanding and maintaining the cultural values embedded within them. By employing an empirical juridical method that combines juridical, conceptual, and ethnographic approaches, this research seeks to explore the philosophical, historical, and cultural values inherent in the traditional Malay architecture of Kampung Tua in Batam City. Additionally, it aims to analyze the relevance and applicability of intellectual property concepts within the context of local communal identity. The findings reveal that while traditional Malay architecture has been recognized as part of communal intellectual property, its legal protection remains inadequate. Proper inventory, documentation, and official recognition are necessary to strengthen legal protection, with collaboration between the government, indigenous communities, and academics being crucial to keeping this cultural heritage alive.