Sacred Places, Ritual and Identity: Shaping the Liminal Landscape of Banda Neira, Maluku Islands

Hendrajaya Isnaeni, Salsa Muafiroh, Zafira Rahmatul Ummah, Sam Turner, Stelios Lekakis (), Joko Adianto, Rizki Hermawan, Nurachman Iriyanto, Muhamad Iko Kersapati and Mohamad Atqa
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Hendrajaya Isnaeni: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Salsa Muafiroh: Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Zafira Rahmatul Ummah: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Sam Turner: School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Stelios Lekakis: School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Joko Adianto: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Rizki Hermawan: Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Nurachman Iriyanto: Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Khairun University, Ternate 97719, Indonesia
Muhamad Iko Kersapati: Directorate of Cultural Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Mohamad Atqa: Directorate of Cultural Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: In the context of globalization and rapid societal changes, preserving sacred landscapes is vital for cultural identity and resilience. This study investigates the concept of liminality within the cultural landscape of Neira Island, emphasizing the significance of the Buka Kampung ritual and keramat (sacred objects) as integral components of Neira landscape identity. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, the study explores how these rituals serve as liminal practices that mediate between continuity and transformation. The findings highlight that the act of making offerings at keramat during the Buka Kampung ritual fosters social cohesion and reinforces collective identity. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between sacredness, rituals, and identity, demonstrating how these elements shape place attachment, collective memory, and the lived experiences of local communities. It highlights the importance of sacred landscapes in fostering community resilience and cultural continuity, offering insights into the role of ritual practices in heritage preservation.

Keywords: cultural heritage; Indonesian archipelago; sacred places; spice islands (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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