The Struggle of Javaneseness Identity of Javanese Christian Church

Abstract

In the perspective of Gereja Kristen Jawa (GKJ), the struggle for keeping the Javanese identity is an interesting topic to be observed. There are Javanese aspects which are not permitted to be used in church life in the past, now it is strongly applied. In fact, GKJ had taken a role as the vanguard in dealing with the javaneseness disscusion. However, the act of GKJ preserving the javaneseness  somehow is accompanied by the accusation to the youth. They are accused of neglecting their javeneseness. The act of neglection might observed from the use of the javanese language, traditional art, and custom which GKJ try to preserve.

Therefore, this thesis will breaking down the phenomena through the view of Baudrilaard regarding simulation. The writer will begin the discussion by researching the act of GKJ in presenting javaneseness in church life through the logic of simulacra. The writer also take into account the youth responds and their experiences after participating in building the javaneseness identity. After that, the writer will observe how God is positioned in the discussion of Javaneseness identity. As important as other, The writer will look into GKJ concern in building this identity. Last but not least, the writer will observe the opportunity that GKJ have in building the identity in the logic of simulation.