Sweron as a Model for Integral Ecological Education in Papua: a Contextual Theological Study

Yulianus Korain Yulko; Athanasius Bame; Robertus Wijanarko

doi:10.24071/jaot.v8i1.13999

Sweron as a Model for Integral Ecological Education in Papua: a Contextual Theological Study

Yulianus Korain Yulko^(1*), Athanasius Bame⁽²⁾, Robertus Wijanarko⁽³⁾,

(1) Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Widya Sasana
(2) Universitas Macquarie University Sydney-Australia
(3) STFT Widya Sasana
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study examines Sweron as a model of integral ecological education in Papua: a contextual theological study. Sweron is a tradition of local wisdom passed down from generation to generation by the Papuan people, especially the Maybrat tribe, which functions as an ecological, social and spiritual mechanism in maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans, nature and God. This study aims to analyse the theological meaning of Sweron and its relevance as a model of integral ecological education amid the global ecological crisis. This study uses Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology method. Gadamer emphasises that hermeneutics is not merely a method for interpreting texts, but rather a philosophy of understanding rooted in dialogue between the interpreter and the interpreted reality. Understanding occurs through a process of fusion of horizons, namely the horizon of the researcher and the horizon of the text/subject. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, document study, documentation, and focused discussions with the community, traditional leaders, and those with a sufficient understanding of Sweron.

Data analysis was carried out by combining three main frameworks: first, contextual theology, which views Sweron as a locus theologicus; second, Laudato Si' integral ecology, which emphasises the interconnectedness of the ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions; third, religion-nature-culture, which interprets Sweron as a form of ecological spirituality. The results of the study show that Sweron not only functions as a tradition-based environmental management system, but also contains theological values that affirm humanity's moral responsibility towards nature as God's creation. Sweron represents a model of integral ecology education that is holistic, contextual, and transformative, as a form of respect for nature that needs to be studied ecotheologically. This research contributes to the development of Sweron-based eco-theology by offering a new perspective for the Indonesian eco-theological discourse and enriching the dialogue between ecology, theology and culture in a sustainable manner.

Keywords

Sweron, integral ecology education, eco-theology, ecological spirituality

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24071/jaot.v8i1.13999