Abstract

Cultural identity of a society is the identity of a community, covering all aspects of their lives. The study of the cultural identity of a society is always exciting and vital because cultural identity is constructive and never grows naturally. In the community of Pendalungan in Jember, cultural identity is initiated and designed because it is needed for community development. This article will explore the concept of Pendalungan and the benefits that can be obtained from the chosen identity. A cultural construction approach, with a descriptive-qualitative method, can be utilized to achieve that goal. The research data were obtained from interviews with several Jember community members from various socio-cultural backgrounds, as well as from various previous studies related to the discussion of this issue. Significant findings from the research show that the cultural identity of Pendalungan is suitable to be used as a platform for strengthening the development of arts and culture of Jember community because of its multicultural nature. With this identity, various ethnic groups in Jember can live in harmony and develop a tolerant attitude without losing their respective traditional particularistic identities. People from various ethnicities can live side by side under the umbrella of Pendalungan cultural identity because what is strengthened and highlighted is not their differences but excellence. Pendalungan people believe in cultural relativity, namely that no culture is higher or lower than another.