Kearifan Lokal Tingkep Tandur dalam Menjaga Lingkungan Bercocok Tanam Padi di Desa Karangmulyo Kabupaten Kendal

Abstract

Rice farming in agrarian villages faces ecological and social challenges, including water dependency, declining soil quality, pest risks, climate variability, and weakening farmer regeneration. At the same time, rural communities possess local wisdom that may serve as social capital for sustaining agricultural environments. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Tingkep Tandur tradition in Karangmulyo Village, Pegandon Subdistrict, Kendal Regency; analyze environmental conditions that support rice cultivation; and explain the role of this tradition in maintaining farmers' rice production. This research applies a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through village document review, visual documentation, literature study, and semi-structured interviews with village officials, elder farmers, farmers, agricultural extension officers, and young farmers. The data were analyzed through reduction, thematic categorization, source triangulation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that Tingkep Tandur is performed when rice plants are around 60 days old as a prayer for safety, gratitude, and hope for a good harvest. The discussion indicates that the tradition functions not merely as a ritual but also as a socio-ecological mechanism that strengthens mutual cooperation, risk communication regarding pests and water, environmental ethics, and intergenerational transmission of agrarian knowledge. Therefore, Tingkep Tandur remains relevant as part of a culturally grounded sustainable agriculture strategy, provided that it is integrated with modern rice cultivation innovations, water management, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest management.