The Role of the Nadran Tradition in Preserving the Cultural Identity of the Coastal Community in Eretan Wetan Village, Indramayu Regency

Abstract

The Nadran tradition is a local wisdom of the fishing community that embodies religious, social, cultural, and economic values. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research informants include traditional leaders, fishermen, village officials, and local community members. The results show that the Nadran tradition is still carried out regularly with active community participation. This tradition plays a significant role in empowering coastal communities in the social aspect by strengthening solidarity, in the cultural aspect by preserving local identity, and in the economic aspect by increasing community business activities during the implementation of the event. Supporting factors for the preservation of the Nadran tradition include the support of traditional leaders, the village government, and community participation, while the inhibiting factor is the influence of modernization, which has led to a decline in the younger generation’s interest in participating in the cultural activities. This study concludes that preserving the Nadran tradition serves as an effective means of empowering coastal communities. Therefore, collaboration among the community, government, and younger generation is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the tradition while improving community welfare.