The Symbolism of the Turtle in Nusantara Philosophy and Its Relevance for Local Wisdom-Based Tourism
Siti Hamidah
, Jenny Veronika Samosir
Research Center for Area Studies, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
shiwasandra@gmail.com
Abstract
The turtle is a strong symbol in Nusantara philosophy, representing resilience, patience, longevity, and balance. These qualities not only hold deep cosmological significance but also offer valuable insights into how we can live in harmony with nature and community. This paper examines the symbolism of the turtle and its application in the tourism industry. Rather than treating symbolism as abstract, this study applies to real-world tourism practices, particularly through the lens of local-based tourism and slow tourism, which emphasises meaningful, immersive, and reflective travel experiences. By incorporating turtlesymbolism into tourism strategies, communities can preserve their cultural identity while encouraging environmental responsibility. This approach aligns with global movements toward eco-tourism and responsible travel, providing an alternative to mass tourism. Through literature review and selected case studies, such as the Paloh Coastal Festival in Kalimantan and Sanur Village Festival in Bali, this researchillustrates how local rituals, art, and conservation efforts related to turtles can serve both cultural preservation and tourism development. Drawing from symbolic Interaction and Integrating Turtle Philosophy into Tourism -in this case, local-based tourism and slow tourism, this paper argues that turtles-often featured in folklore, ceremonies, and artistic motifs, offer a framework for culturally rooted, environmentally sustainable tourism. These practices not only enrich the tourist experiences but alsoempower local communities by reaffirming their ancestral wisdom. Ultimately, the study suggests that the turtle’s symbolic and environmental importance can serve as a model for tourism that honours tradition, fosters reflection, and supports long-term sustainability in Nusantara
Keywords
symbolism, Nusantara philosophy, turtle, local wisdom based-tourism, slow tourism
References
Allan, S. (2003). The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art, and Cosmos in Early China. State University of New York Press.
Abroorza A. Yusra, Fisesa, A. A., Fachrizal, A., & Susanto, H. (2022). Penyu dan Paloh: Perjalanan Konservasi di Ekor Borneo. Yayasan WWF Indonesia.
Denzin, N. K. (1992). Symbolic interactionism and cultural studies : the politics of interpretation. Blackwell Publishing.
Dougherty, C. L. (2019). Why Does Aphrodite Have Her Foot on That Turtle? Arion: A Journal of the Humanities and the Classics, 27(3), 25–48. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1353/arn.2019.0028
Fong, J. J., & Sung, Y.-H. (2017). Shells in Trouble—Turtle Ecology, Conservation, and the Asian Turtle Crisis. Frontiers for Young Minds, 5(68 (December 2017)), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2017.00068
Garfield, E. (1986). The Turtle: A Most Ancient Mystery. Part 1. Its Role in Art, Literature, and Mythology. Essays of an Information Scientist, 9(39), 293–297
Grundhauser, E. (2017). Why Is the World Always on the Back of a Turtle? It’s mythology all the way down. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/world-turtle-cosmic-discworld
Hanifah, S. M., & Adnyana, P. P. (2022). The meaning of turtle symbols in the lyrics of the song Geobugi by Davichi. Journal of Korean Applied Linguistics, 2(2), 87–98.
Hwang, H. R. (2020). A research on the turtle’s symbolic ambivalence and its role as a spiritual guide for individuation entrance. Journal of Symbols and Sandplay Therapy, 2(1),
Inkson, C., & Minnaert, L. (2018). Tourism Management: An Introduction. SAGE Publications.
Jansen, A. (2009). Shifting focus: Redefining the goals of sea turtle consumption and protection in Bali. Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection, 1–62.
Magfirah, N. K., & Muhaimin, M. (2023). Local Wisdom Based Tourism Branding Efforts on the Site of Orang Kayo Hitam Jambi. Jurnal Komunikasi, 17(1 (Maret 2023)), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.21107/ilkom.v17i1.15574
Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 7(01), 1–30. https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/85654/
Muhlenberg School District. (2020). The World on the Turtle’s Back: Iroquois Creation Myth. https://www.muhlsdk12.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=4199&dataid=7893&FileName=u1_wrld_turtlesback_se.pdf
Patyal, H. C. (1978). Tortoise in the Vedic Mythology and Ritual. Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, 38(1/4 (1978-79)), 107–115. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42931056%0AJSTOR
Rivera, E. M. (2020). Sea Turtle Spiritual Meaning (Embodying Ocean Energy). https://spiritualmojo.com/seaturtle-spiritual-meaning/%0ASea
Rinzin, C., Vermeulen, W. J. V., & Glasbergen, P. (2007). Ecotourism as a mechanism for sustainable development: The case of Bhutan. Environmental Sciences, 4(2), 109–125.
Safuwan. (2016). Ini Dia Ritual Fung Shen Melepas Penyu Ke Laut. Times Indonesia. https://timesindonesia.co.id/peristiwa-daerah/133054/ini-dia-ritual-fung-shen-melepas-penyu-ke-laut
Septarini, V. (2024). The Role of Local Wisdom in the Development of Heritage Tourism at the Liyangan Site, Temanggung District. Saba: Journal of Tourism Research, 2(1), 1–20. https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/sabajournal/article/view/67040/pdf
Shelmerdine, S. C. (1984). Hermes and the Tortoise: A Prelude to Cult. Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies, 25(3), 201–208.
Smith, M. K. (2009). Tourism and Cultural Change. Channel View Publications.
Stasch, R. (1996). Killing as reproductive agency: Dugong, pigs, and humanity among the Kiwai, circa 1900.
Anthropos, Bd. 91(H. 4./6. (1996)), 359–379. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40464495
Tisdell, C. A., & Wilson, C. (2005). Sea turtles as a non-consumptive tourism resource especially in Australia. Mast, 3 (2)(4 (1)), 145–167.
Watson, P. (2019). Slow Travel: Reconnecting with the world at your own pace. https://www.pennywatson.com.au/slow-travel
Weaver, D. (2006). Sustainable Tourism Development. Routledge
Westerlaken, R. (2016). The Use of Green Turtles in Bali, When Conservation Meets Culture. Jurnal Studi Kultural, I(2), 89–93.
Widyadhana, R. R. (2024). Application of Fractal Geometry in Generating Variations of East Kalimantan Batik Motifs Based on Julia Set.
WWF Indonesia. (2023). Sea Turtle. http://www.wwf.id/id/learn/forest-wildlife/marine-etp/sea-turtle
shiwasandra@gmail.com
Abstract
Keywords
symbolism, Nusantara philosophy, turtle, local wisdom based-tourism, slow tourismReferences
Allan, S. (2003). The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art, and Cosmos in Early China. State University of New York Press.
Abroorza A. Yusra, Fisesa, A. A., Fachrizal, A., & Susanto, H. (2022). Penyu dan Paloh: Perjalanan Konservasi di Ekor Borneo. Yayasan WWF Indonesia.
Denzin, N. K. (1992). Symbolic interactionism and cultural studies : the politics of interpretation. Blackwell Publishing.
Dougherty, C. L. (2019). Why Does Aphrodite Have Her Foot on That Turtle? Arion: A Journal of the Humanities and the Classics, 27(3), 25–48. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1353/arn.2019.0028
Fong, J. J., & Sung, Y.-H. (2017). Shells in Trouble—Turtle Ecology, Conservation, and the Asian Turtle Crisis. Frontiers for Young Minds, 5(68 (December 2017)), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2017.00068
Garfield, E. (1986). The Turtle: A Most Ancient Mystery. Part 1. Its Role in Art, Literature, and Mythology. Essays of an Information Scientist, 9(39), 293–297
Grundhauser, E. (2017). Why Is the World Always on the Back of a Turtle? It’s mythology all the way down. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/world-turtle-cosmic-discworld
Hanifah, S. M., & Adnyana, P. P. (2022). The meaning of turtle symbols in the lyrics of the song Geobugi by Davichi. Journal of Korean Applied Linguistics, 2(2), 87–98.
Hwang, H. R. (2020). A research on the turtle’s symbolic ambivalence and its role as a spiritual guide for individuation entrance. Journal of Symbols and Sandplay Therapy, 2(1),
Inkson, C., & Minnaert, L. (2018). Tourism Management: An Introduction. SAGE Publications.
Jansen, A. (2009). Shifting focus: Redefining the goals of sea turtle consumption and protection in Bali. Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection, 1–62.
Magfirah, N. K., & Muhaimin, M. (2023). Local Wisdom Based Tourism Branding Efforts on the Site of Orang Kayo Hitam Jambi. Jurnal Komunikasi, 17(1 (Maret 2023)), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.21107/ilkom.v17i1.15574
Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 7(01), 1–30. https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/85654/
Muhlenberg School District. (2020). The World on the Turtle’s Back: Iroquois Creation Myth. https://www.muhlsdk12.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=4199&dataid=7893&FileName=u1_wrld_turtlesback_se.pdf
Patyal, H. C. (1978). Tortoise in the Vedic Mythology and Ritual. Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, 38(1/4 (1978-79)), 107–115. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42931056%0AJSTOR
Rivera, E. M. (2020). Sea Turtle Spiritual Meaning (Embodying Ocean Energy). https://spiritualmojo.com/seaturtle-spiritual-meaning/%0ASea
Rinzin, C., Vermeulen, W. J. V., & Glasbergen, P. (2007). Ecotourism as a mechanism for sustainable development: The case of Bhutan. Environmental Sciences, 4(2), 109–125.
Safuwan. (2016). Ini Dia Ritual Fung Shen Melepas Penyu Ke Laut. Times Indonesia. https://timesindonesia.co.id/peristiwa-daerah/133054/ini-dia-ritual-fung-shen-melepas-penyu-ke-laut
Septarini, V. (2024). The Role of Local Wisdom in the Development of Heritage Tourism at the Liyangan Site, Temanggung District. Saba: Journal of Tourism Research, 2(1), 1–20. https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/sabajournal/article/view/67040/pdf
Shelmerdine, S. C. (1984). Hermes and the Tortoise: A Prelude to Cult. Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies, 25(3), 201–208.
Smith, M. K. (2009). Tourism and Cultural Change. Channel View Publications.
Stasch, R. (1996). Killing as reproductive agency: Dugong, pigs, and humanity among the Kiwai, circa 1900.
Anthropos, Bd. 91(H. 4./6. (1996)), 359–379. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40464495
Tisdell, C. A., & Wilson, C. (2005). Sea turtles as a non-consumptive tourism resource especially in Australia. Mast, 3 (2)(4 (1)), 145–167.
Watson, P. (2019). Slow Travel: Reconnecting with the world at your own pace. https://www.pennywatson.com.au/slow-travel
Weaver, D. (2006). Sustainable Tourism Development. Routledge
Westerlaken, R. (2016). The Use of Green Turtles in Bali, When Conservation Meets Culture. Jurnal Studi Kultural, I(2), 89–93.
Widyadhana, R. R. (2024). Application of Fractal Geometry in Generating Variations of East Kalimantan Batik Motifs Based on Julia Set.
WWF Indonesia. (2023). Sea Turtle. http://www.wwf.id/id/learn/forest-wildlife/marine-etp/sea-turtle
