Partisipasi Masyarakat dan Kreativitas Pengrajin dalam Festival Jerami Pertama di Sangiran, Sragen, Tahun 2023

Abstract

The Sangiran Straw Festival was held on 28–29 October 2023 and presented replicas of prehistoric humans and animals made from rice straw. This article describes community participation, artisans’ work processes, technical challenges associated with using a material other than stone, and coordination among stakeholders during the festival. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using field observation, photographic documentation from preparation through implementation, and interviews with residents and other participants. The data were analyzed descriptively by organizing findings into themes of participation, production processes, technical challenges, coordination, and visitor responses. The observations show that 22 neighborhood-based groups (Rukun Tetangga/RT) produced 22 replicas. The structures were made from bamboo or wood, the bodies from rice straw, and the bindings from rattan or bamboo strips. Artisans who were more accustomed to stone carving faced challenges in designing stable frames, attaching straw, maintaining the replicas’ shapes, and ensuring stability during transportation. Participation by local government, neighborhood representatives, residents, artisans, and supporting actors helped facilitate preparation and implementation. The festival demonstrates the potential of local creativity to enrich the Sangiran tourism experience through an exhibition using locally available materials. However, its effects on household income, visitor numbers, and long-term economic sustainability cannot be established because these outcomes were not quantitatively measured.