Local Wisdom and Mountain Ecology: A Focus Group Discussion by the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon in Sagarahiang, Kuningan
Kuningan, June 8, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon recently led a transformative journey to Sagarahiang Village, nestled on the slopes of Mount Ciremai in Kuningan Regency. This excursion was not merely an academic field visit but a profound immersion into Sundanese cultural and ecological wisdom. Under the guidance of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. as the Director of the International Office, we traveled with students and members of the Global Engagement Team (GET) to reconnect with ancestral knowledge rooted in harmony between humans and nature. The purpose was clear: to bridge modern education with indigenous insight and foster a deeper understanding of sustainable living. In this sacred landscape, ancient stones whispered stories of time, balance, and responsibility. It was here that International Office began to understand that true learning often happens outside the classroom.
The event took the form of a Focus Group Discussion titled Local Wisdom and Mountain Ecology, held in close collaboration with Mr. Ukad, a respected spiritual ecologist and guardian of Sagarahiang’s heritage. His presence brought authenticity and depth to the dialogue, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage with living traditions passed down through generations. As he shared the oral histories of his ancestors, it became evident that these narratives were not just about culture, they were blueprints for environmental stewardship. Through his words, we explored how Sundanese communities once interpreted natural signs as warnings or blessings, shaping their behavior accordingly. The session highlighted the value of integrating such wisdom into contemporary discussions on sustainability and ethics. We were reminded that the past is not distant, it lives within us and guides our steps forward.
Sagarahiang Village, located at an elevation of 1,130 meters above sea level, is home to 48 ancient sites, including Situs Lingga, a place believed to be over 4,000 years old. Long before modern calendars existed, leaders from across Java gathered here to observe the sun’s reflection on carved stones, using this system, known as Cacandaran Tahun Pahu, to mark time and guide agricultural cycles. These practices reveal a sophisticated understanding of celestial rhythms and ecological interdependence. For centuries, this site has served as a spiritual and intellectual anchor for the Sundanese people. It was humbling to walk among these stones, feeling the weight of history beneath our feet. Each step reinforced the idea that nature itself is a teacher, if only we are willing to listen.
During our time in Sagarahiang, we also delved into the Sundanese folktale Lutung Kasarung, which tells the story of jealousy disrupting harmony and only restoring balance when truth prevails. This tale is more than folklore; it reflects how Sundanese society once understood disaster risk management. Disharmony in the community was seen as a direct cause of imbalance in nature, and moral decay was interpreted as an environmental warning. Harmony, therefore, was viewed as protection, a principle deeply embedded in traditional worldviews. Experiencing this narrative firsthand helped us see the interconnectedness of ethics, ecology, and resilience. It was no longer just a story, it was a lesson in sustainability and social justice.
As part of the International Office’s mission, GET interns documented local practices, observed ecological conditions, and reflected on how these experiences could shape future educational initiatives. They engaged directly with the community, listening to elders and recording oral histories that might otherwise remain unshared beyond local circles. This hands-on approach allowed students to develop both intercultural competence and a sense of ethical responsibility. They learned that global citizenship begins with empathy, respect, and a willingness to learn from others. The internship program emphasized not just academic growth, but personal transformation, where curiosity meets humility. By immersing themselves in this environment, students gained insights that will stay with them far beyond their university years.
This initiative aligns closely with the BIMA framework, Bridging Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Awareness, which guides the International Office’s educational philosophy. BIMA encourages learners to integrate critical thinking with emotional intelligence and spiritual awareness. It promotes a “spiral of return,” where returning to one’s roots leads to deeper global understanding. In Sagarahiang, this concept came to life as students connected scientific inquiry with ancestral wisdom. They experienced firsthand how knowledge becomes meaningful when grounded in lived reality. The journey illustrated that education is not just about acquiring information, it is about cultivating wisdom that serves humanity and the planet.
While not explicitly aligned with international frameworks like the SDGs, this initiative resonates with broader goals of promoting inclusive education, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. It shows that meaningful change often starts locally, through listening, learning, and honoring the voices of those who have lived sustainably for generations. Under the leadership of Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., the International Office continues to redefine what it means to be globally engaged by fostering programs that are deeply rooted in local context. From the ancient stones of Situs Lingga, new pathways of thought, action, and connection continue to emerge, pathways that lead not only forward, but inward and upward. In this journey, we did not just explore heritage, we became its stewards.
Authors: Shofiatul Faqriyah and Resa Diah Gayatri