Indonesian Javanese Cosmology and its Transformation in Social Tradition and Built Environment

Javanese cosmology, a syncretism of Hindu-Buddha and Islamic beliefs, successfully harmonized diverse faiths into a moderate Islamic culture without conflict. This study reveals that the Javanese preference for similarities over differences in religious teachings allowed smooth transitions from pre-Islamic to Islamic practices, creating a unique Kejawen culture. The research highlights shared mystical knowledge between Islam and pre-Islamic traditions, particularly in orientation (qiblah) and spiritual axes, which underpins the peaceful coexistence of multiple faiths in Java. Using qualitative methods—observations, in-depth interviews, and document reviews—the study focused on traditional communities and the kingdoms of Surakarta and Yogyakarta, offering insights into how this cosmological framework shaped social traditions and built environments.

Surjono, S., Antariksa, & Titisari, E. Y. (2023). Indonesian Javanese Cosmology and its Transformation in Social Tradition and Built Environment. Syntax Literate ; Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia, 8(11), 6782–6798. https://doi.org/10.36418/syntax-literate.v8i11.13931