Makna Komunikasi Ritual Debus (Kajian Interaksi Simbolik pada Pelaku Debus di Padepokan Kecamatan Purwakarta, Kota Cilegon)

Debus has experienced a shift in meaning, where society tends to view Debus merely as a performance or entertainment without understanding the meaning behind it. Therefore, this study aims to obtain an in-depth understanding of the meaning behind ritual communication in the art of Debus at padepokan in Purwakarta District. This research uses a qualitative


approach with a descriptive type, based on Herbert Blumer’s symbolic interactionism theory. The research data were collected through observation and interviews. The results show that Debus performers interpret ritual communication as a spiritual process, the formation of self-identity, and the result of social interaction within the padepokan environment. Rituals such as fasting, wirid, reciting the Qur’an, and pati geni are understood as religious symbols of surrendering to Allah and asking for protection, which foster the belief that the power they possess does not come from themselves, but by Allah’s permission, and build confidence and courage before performing attractions. In addition, ritual communication is also interpreted as a means of identity formation and behavioral control, where through interaction with teachers, fellow students, and the community, Debus performers learn values of obedience, maintaining worship, not misusing their knowledge, and having responsibility to uphold moral values and preserve Debus culture. Thus, ritual communication is not only understood as a series of activities before the performance, but as a process containing religious meaning, shaping self-identity, and strengthening social relationships within the padepokan.