NGELUKAT: AN ECOCRITICISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM STUDY IN THE LIFE TRADITION OF THE OSING COMMUNITY, BANYUWANGI

This study examines the tradition of ngelukat, particularly the selapanan ritual, within the Osing community of Banyuwangi through the perspectives of ecocriticism and environmental activism. The research focuses on the representation of the tradition in the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) 2025 and the actual implementation of selapanan in Secang Barat Village. Using a qualitative approach that integrates oral traditions, ecocriticism, and environmental activism, this study analyzes the symbolic meanings and socio-cultural functions of the ritual. The findings reveal that selapanan is not merely a life-cycle rite but a complex cultural text. The ritual functions as a medium for transmitting cultural, spiritual, and ecological values through oral narratives, mantras, and symbols in ritual offerings. From an ecocritical perspective, the use of natural elements such as water, flowers, and soil reflect the harmonious relationship between the Osing community and their environment, underscoring the ecological wisdom embedded in local culture. In conclusion, the selapanan tradition represents a form of cultural green activism that unites spiritual, aesthetic, and ecological sustainability dimensions. This study recommends that the local wisdom within this tradition can serve as a foundation for addressing contemporary environmental issues while preserving the cultural identity of the Osing people amidst modernity.