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Copyright (c) 2026 Alrik Rapian, Jekson Berdame, Febri Kurnia Manoppo, Tri Oktavia Hartati Silaban
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ART IN THE RUMAGHES UMBANUA OF LAIKIT VILLAGE: NEGOTIATING CHRIST TRANSFORMING CULTURE AND COLLABORATIVE PLURALISM
Corresponding Author(s) : Jekson Berdame
Al-Qalam,
Vol. 32 No. 1 (2026): Jurnal Al Qalam
Abstract
This study examines the cultural transformation of Rumaghes Umbanua in Laikit Village, North Minahasa,
as a contemporary reconfiguration of the traditional Dumia Umbanua ritual into a public celebration of
gratitude shaped by interreligious participation and artistic performance. While previous studies have
explored Minahasan thanksgiving traditions from pastoral, culinary, and ritual perspectives, limited
attention has been given to the role of art as a theological and social medium in pluralistic contexts. This
research addresses that gap by analyzing how artistic expressions function as agents of contextual theology
and collaborative pluralism. Using a qualitative descriptive–interpretive approach, data were collected
through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, religious leaders, artists,
and community members, as well as document analysis of cultural and historical archives. The findings
indicate that artistic practices including Kabasaran dance, bamboo and kolintang music, interfaith choir
performances, and traditional attire serve not merely as aesthetic components but as performative spaces
in which theological meanings, cultural identities, and interreligious relations are actively negotiated.
Through the lens of Richard Niebuhr’s Christ Transforming Culture, the study suggests that Rumaghes
Umbanua represents a dynamic model of contextual theology in which Christian values transform cultural
symbols without entirely erasing their historical significance. At the same time, the findings highlight the
ambivalent nature of collaborative pluralism, in which inclusion is shaped by implicit power relations and
negotiated boundaries of representation. This study contributes to the discourse on contextual theology by
positioning art as an active theological mediator and a public instrument for social cohesion, identity
reconstruction, and intercultural dialogue in multireligious societies
Keywords
- Adelliani, Namirah, Citra Afny Sucirahayu, and Azmiya Rahma Zanjabila. 2023. Analisis Tematik Pada Penelitian Kualitatif. Penerbit Salemba.
- Bhandari, Nagendra Bahadur. 2022. “Homi K. Bhabha’s Third Space Theory and Cultural Identity Today: A Critical Review.” Prithvi Academic Journal 171–81.
- Chew Su Li, E. 2024. “H. Richard Niebuhr’s Theological Ethics of God’s Goodness.”
- Ershadi, Farnaz. 2025. “A Study of Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Inequality Through The Inheritors, Reproduction in Education, Society, and Culture, and The Logic of Practice.” University of Ottawa.
- Hahn, Judith. 2026. “Incarnating the Christian Message.” Pp. 71–103 in The Cultures of Canon Law: Global Catholicism, Glocal Legislation, and the Local Churches. Springer.
- Hutabarat, Franklin. 2023. “Navigating Diversity: Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian Society.” European Journal of Theology and Philosophy 3(6):6–13.
- Kapoh, Ruty Jacoba, Evi Kapoh, Andries Yosua, Timotius Tan, and Buyung Kosaputera. 2024. “Foso Rumages Um Banua: Fungsi Pastoral Memelihara Nilai Religius Tradisi Pengucapan Syukur Di Minahasa.” J. Teol. Gracia Deo 6(2):211–23.
- Kasa, Arlind. 2025. “The Influence of Religious Beliefs on the Formation of Historical Events and Cultural Traditions: A Comparative Analysis of World Religions.” Pharos Journal of Theology 106(3).
- Kumowal, Royke Lantupa, Heliyanti Kalintabu, and Charolin Geby Bambung. 2024. “" Dumia Umbanua”: Misi Kontekstual Dalam Moderasi Beragama Di Desa Laikit Kabupaten Minahasa Utara.” Vox Dei: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pastoral 5(2):281–300.
- Leonard, Ndzi. 2025. “Contemporary Perspectives on Theology: Navigating Faith in a Modern World.”
- Lippe-Cohen, Eden A. S. 2025. “King David: Psalms and Prayer, Voice and Vision.”
- Mahsusi, Mahsusi, Syihaabul Hudaa, Nuryani Nuryani, Ahmad Bahtiar, and Makyun Subuki. 2023. “Identifying Values of Religious Moderation through Learning Activities.” Al-Qalam 29(1):61–70.
- Marjani, Gustiana Isya. 2023. “Overcoming Theological Dilemmas: Fostering Religious Moderation through the Resolution of Faith and Rationality.” Religious: Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama Dan Lintas Budaya 7(2):115–28.
- Mawikere, Marde Christian Stenly, and Sudiria Hura. 2025. “Teologi Kurikulum: Kristologi, Fondasi, Struktur, Dan Dinamika Transformasional Pendidikan Kristen.” Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Keagamaan Kristen: Arastamar 1(1):17–34.
- Naray, Cherly, and Demsy Jura. 2022. “The Role of Christian Education in Educating Church Members Concerning" Thanksgiving" as a Form of Local Wisdom of the Minahasa Community.” Pp. 446–50 in 1st Virtual Workshop on Writing Scientific Article for International Publication Indexed SCOPUS. sciendo.
- Nendissa, Julio Eleazer, Elsjani Adelin Langi, and Refail D. P. Sampepadang. 2026. “Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou as a Model of Mentoring and Counseling Based on Minahasa Cultural Values: Implications for the Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM).” G-Couns: Jurnal Bimbingan Dan Konseling 10(02):1756–74.
- Nicholas, George. 2022. “Protecting Indigenous Heritage Objects, Places, and Values: Challenges, Responses, and Responsibilities.” International Journal of Heritage Studies 28(3):400–422.
- Palar, Yolanda, and Englin Manua. 2023. “” DUMIA UM BANUA”: Sebuah Tradisi” Ator Kampung” Sebagai Upaya Menjaga Harmoni Manusia Dan Alam.” DA’AT: Jurnal Teologi Kristen 4(2):69–77.
- Rimé, Bernard, and Dario Páez. 2023. “Why We Gather: A New Look, Empirically Documented, at Émile Durkheim’s Theory of Collective Assemblies and Collective Effervescence.” Perspectives on Psychological Science 18(6):1306–30.
- Rumate, Charga Jofial, Inriany F. Kreysen, Lanny Bokko, Suryaningsi Dorthea Lalompoh, Nivtrik Netson Ralendesang, Sylvia Evangelin Bawihu, Geby Ladesya Kalensang, Fani Sapoh, Joice Stella Mamesah, and Fhilia Alci Angela Asman. 2024. “Dimensi Dalam Mengucap Syukur: Relevansi Tradisi Minahasa Foso Rummages Dalam Praktik Pastoral Konseling Kontemporer.” PARADOSI: Jurnal Teologi Praktika 1(1):7–20.
- Schouten, Mieke. 2025. “Minahasa and Bolaangmongondow: An Annotated Bibliography, 1800-1942.” in Minahasa and Bolaangmongondow. Brill.
- Shah, Sana. 2023. “Art and Spirituality: Exploring the Sacred and Transcendent in Human Existence.” Journal of Religion and Society 1(1):39–49.
- Sondakh, Sonya Indriati, and M. Yoesoef. 2022. “Tradisi Pengucapan Syukur Minahasa Dan Pemertahanan Kuliner Tradisional.” Arif: Jurnal Sastra Dan Kearifan Lokal 2(1):104–19.
- Sondakh, Sonya Indriati, and M. Yoesoef. 2023. “THANKSGIVING TABLE, A CULINARY PERFORMANCE.” International Review of Humanities Studies 7(2):10.
- Susanto, Roni, and Ahmad Hakim Nabilunnuha. 2025. “Art as a Medium for Interreligious Dialogue in a Plural Society and Its Challenges in the Public Sphere.” Al-Ufuq: Jurnal Humaniora Dan Ilmu Sosial 1(1):109–24.
- Timulak, Ladislav, and Mary Creaner. 2022. “Meta-Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Descriptive-Interpretative Approach.” Pp. 555–70 in The SAGE handbook of qualitative research design. Vol. 2. Sage.
- Wagiu, Meily M., Olivia C. Wuwung, Alon Mandimpu Nainggolan, and Febri K. Manoppo. 2023. “The Cultural Value of Mapalus and Its Relationship to Religious Moderation in North Minahasa Regency Along with Its Relevance to Christian Education.” Al-Qalam 29(1):151–62.
- Widyawati, Fransiska, Yohanes S. Lon, and Hendrikus Midun. 2025. “Mission and Inculturation: Preserving Local Language and Culture in the Indonesian Church.” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 81(1):10516.
References
Adelliani, Namirah, Citra Afny Sucirahayu, and Azmiya Rahma Zanjabila. 2023. Analisis Tematik Pada Penelitian Kualitatif. Penerbit Salemba.
Bhandari, Nagendra Bahadur. 2022. “Homi K. Bhabha’s Third Space Theory and Cultural Identity Today: A Critical Review.” Prithvi Academic Journal 171–81.
Chew Su Li, E. 2024. “H. Richard Niebuhr’s Theological Ethics of God’s Goodness.”
Ershadi, Farnaz. 2025. “A Study of Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Inequality Through The Inheritors, Reproduction in Education, Society, and Culture, and The Logic of Practice.” University of Ottawa.
Hahn, Judith. 2026. “Incarnating the Christian Message.” Pp. 71–103 in The Cultures of Canon Law: Global Catholicism, Glocal Legislation, and the Local Churches. Springer.
Hutabarat, Franklin. 2023. “Navigating Diversity: Exploring Religious Pluralism and Social Harmony in Indonesian Society.” European Journal of Theology and Philosophy 3(6):6–13.
Kapoh, Ruty Jacoba, Evi Kapoh, Andries Yosua, Timotius Tan, and Buyung Kosaputera. 2024. “Foso Rumages Um Banua: Fungsi Pastoral Memelihara Nilai Religius Tradisi Pengucapan Syukur Di Minahasa.” J. Teol. Gracia Deo 6(2):211–23.
Kasa, Arlind. 2025. “The Influence of Religious Beliefs on the Formation of Historical Events and Cultural Traditions: A Comparative Analysis of World Religions.” Pharos Journal of Theology 106(3).
Kumowal, Royke Lantupa, Heliyanti Kalintabu, and Charolin Geby Bambung. 2024. “" Dumia Umbanua”: Misi Kontekstual Dalam Moderasi Beragama Di Desa Laikit Kabupaten Minahasa Utara.” Vox Dei: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pastoral 5(2):281–300.
Leonard, Ndzi. 2025. “Contemporary Perspectives on Theology: Navigating Faith in a Modern World.”
Lippe-Cohen, Eden A. S. 2025. “King David: Psalms and Prayer, Voice and Vision.”
Mahsusi, Mahsusi, Syihaabul Hudaa, Nuryani Nuryani, Ahmad Bahtiar, and Makyun Subuki. 2023. “Identifying Values of Religious Moderation through Learning Activities.” Al-Qalam 29(1):61–70.
Marjani, Gustiana Isya. 2023. “Overcoming Theological Dilemmas: Fostering Religious Moderation through the Resolution of Faith and Rationality.” Religious: Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama Dan Lintas Budaya 7(2):115–28.
Mawikere, Marde Christian Stenly, and Sudiria Hura. 2025. “Teologi Kurikulum: Kristologi, Fondasi, Struktur, Dan Dinamika Transformasional Pendidikan Kristen.” Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Keagamaan Kristen: Arastamar 1(1):17–34.
Naray, Cherly, and Demsy Jura. 2022. “The Role of Christian Education in Educating Church Members Concerning" Thanksgiving" as a Form of Local Wisdom of the Minahasa Community.” Pp. 446–50 in 1st Virtual Workshop on Writing Scientific Article for International Publication Indexed SCOPUS. sciendo.
Nendissa, Julio Eleazer, Elsjani Adelin Langi, and Refail D. P. Sampepadang. 2026. “Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou as a Model of Mentoring and Counseling Based on Minahasa Cultural Values: Implications for the Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM).” G-Couns: Jurnal Bimbingan Dan Konseling 10(02):1756–74.
Nicholas, George. 2022. “Protecting Indigenous Heritage Objects, Places, and Values: Challenges, Responses, and Responsibilities.” International Journal of Heritage Studies 28(3):400–422.
Palar, Yolanda, and Englin Manua. 2023. “” DUMIA UM BANUA”: Sebuah Tradisi” Ator Kampung” Sebagai Upaya Menjaga Harmoni Manusia Dan Alam.” DA’AT: Jurnal Teologi Kristen 4(2):69–77.
Rimé, Bernard, and Dario Páez. 2023. “Why We Gather: A New Look, Empirically Documented, at Émile Durkheim’s Theory of Collective Assemblies and Collective Effervescence.” Perspectives on Psychological Science 18(6):1306–30.
Rumate, Charga Jofial, Inriany F. Kreysen, Lanny Bokko, Suryaningsi Dorthea Lalompoh, Nivtrik Netson Ralendesang, Sylvia Evangelin Bawihu, Geby Ladesya Kalensang, Fani Sapoh, Joice Stella Mamesah, and Fhilia Alci Angela Asman. 2024. “Dimensi Dalam Mengucap Syukur: Relevansi Tradisi Minahasa Foso Rummages Dalam Praktik Pastoral Konseling Kontemporer.” PARADOSI: Jurnal Teologi Praktika 1(1):7–20.
Schouten, Mieke. 2025. “Minahasa and Bolaangmongondow: An Annotated Bibliography, 1800-1942.” in Minahasa and Bolaangmongondow. Brill.
Shah, Sana. 2023. “Art and Spirituality: Exploring the Sacred and Transcendent in Human Existence.” Journal of Religion and Society 1(1):39–49.
Sondakh, Sonya Indriati, and M. Yoesoef. 2022. “Tradisi Pengucapan Syukur Minahasa Dan Pemertahanan Kuliner Tradisional.” Arif: Jurnal Sastra Dan Kearifan Lokal 2(1):104–19.
Sondakh, Sonya Indriati, and M. Yoesoef. 2023. “THANKSGIVING TABLE, A CULINARY PERFORMANCE.” International Review of Humanities Studies 7(2):10.
Susanto, Roni, and Ahmad Hakim Nabilunnuha. 2025. “Art as a Medium for Interreligious Dialogue in a Plural Society and Its Challenges in the Public Sphere.” Al-Ufuq: Jurnal Humaniora Dan Ilmu Sosial 1(1):109–24.
Timulak, Ladislav, and Mary Creaner. 2022. “Meta-Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Descriptive-Interpretative Approach.” Pp. 555–70 in The SAGE handbook of qualitative research design. Vol. 2. Sage.
Wagiu, Meily M., Olivia C. Wuwung, Alon Mandimpu Nainggolan, and Febri K. Manoppo. 2023. “The Cultural Value of Mapalus and Its Relationship to Religious Moderation in North Minahasa Regency Along with Its Relevance to Christian Education.” Al-Qalam 29(1):151–62.
Widyawati, Fransiska, Yohanes S. Lon, and Hendrikus Midun. 2025. “Mission and Inculturation: Preserving Local Language and Culture in the Indonesian Church.” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 81(1):10516.