The Power of Poetry: Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran and Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia Find Lampung Folk Poetry Shape Islamic Identity

A new collaborative study by researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran and Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia has been published, shedding light on the intricate connection between Lampung cultural traditions and Islamic identity. Authored by Jafar Fakhrurozi (Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia), Dadang Suganda, Lina Meilinawati, and Nani Darmayanti (Universitas Padjadjaran), the article “Construction of Islamic Identity in the Lampung Community Leadership System Through Folk Poetry” now appears in Academic Journal Cogent Arts & Humanities (Vol. 12, No,1).

This joint research reveals how Lampung folk poetry serves as a powerful medium for constructing and preserving a distinct cultural identity rooted in Islamic values. The research, which analyzes the oral traditions of wawancan and peppacur, found that these ancient poems are more than just part of cultural rituals; they are living texts that shape the community’s social and moral framework.

The study takes a deep dive into two key genres of Lampung oral poetry, which are traditionally performed during important cultural events like wedding ceremonies. It uses semiotic theory to deconstruct the meaning behind the verses. The findings show that this poetry acts as a mirror, reflecting various cultural symbols and community identities, with Islamic identity being the most dominant.

The research highlights a three-stage process in how Islamic identity is built within these traditions. First, it is externalized through the performance of the poetry itself, which expresses core values. These values are then objectivated, becoming a set of shared, unquestioned truths that guide social and governance practices. Finally, this identity is internalized by community members, who adopt it as their own personal belief system.

UTI and Unpad researchers demonstrate that Lampung folk poetry is a crucial part of the community’s living heritage. It shows how these traditions, passed down through generations, actively shape social behavior and governance by embedding Islamic values at their core. Ultimately, the research reveals the dynamic and ongoing process through which culture and faith intertwine to create a unique and enduring identity.

Ahmad Ilham Danial