Beyond Preservation: A Negotiated Model of Oral Tradition Revitalization against Cultural Hegemony in Muna, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

Globalization has significantly threatened the sustainability of local oral traditions, including kantola, a traditional oral literature of the Muna people in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. This cultural phenomenon reflects the broader pattern of cultural marginalization experienced by Indigenous communities worldwide. The purpose of this study is to examine the revitalization of the Kantola oral tradition as a form of cultural resistance against global hegemonic forces, analyzing its forms, functions, and cultural significance within contemporary Muna society. This qualitative research employs a hermeneutic analytical approach through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Data were collected from two subdistricts in Muna Regency using purposive sampling, involving cultural practitioners, traditional leaders, and community members. The analysis draws upon Gramsci’s theory of hegemony. Three principal findings emerged: (1) The forms of revitalization include regular cultural performances, youth training programs, and digital documentation initiatives; (2) Kantola functions as a medium for social communication, moral education, and cultural identity preservation; and (3) The revitalization process represents symbolic resistance to cultural homogenization and serves as a strategic mechanism for sustaining cultural resilience.