KOMUNIKASI RITUAL DALAM UPACARA RUWATAN MURWAKALA DI KAYANGAN API BOJONEGORO

The Murwakala Ruwatan Ceremony is a cultural tradition held at Kayangan Api, Bojonegoro, and organized directly by the Bojonegoro Office of Tourism and Culture. This ceremony is conducted annually on Saturday Wage. This study employs a qualitative approach using a descriptive design within the framework of ethnography of communication. The theoretical perspective applied is beyond human communication. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The research subjects consisted of six informants selected using purposive sampling. All collected data were analyzed using Spradley’s data analysis technique and validated through source triangulation.

The results show that the communication process in the Murwakala Ruwatan Ceremony serves the purpose of purifying individuals categorized as sukerta from various negative influences, misfortune, calamities, and adversity, with the expectation of attaining a better life. Two main forms of communication were identified in this ceremony: verbal communication (through prayers/mantras and oral narratives) and non-verbal communication (through body movements and the use of ritual offerings). Furthermore, three types of message exchange were found: interaction between humans and nature, humans and objects/materials, and humans and the Divine (God).