“Tetenger” As a Symbol of Local Wisdom in The Majapahit Era

Abstract

Abstract—This Majapahit is the largest Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in Nusantara. During the reign of Hayam Wuruk (1350-1389 AD) and Gadjah Mada served him as mahapati (prime minister), Majapahit reached its glory. In this era, almost all regions in Nusantara was under its belt. As a massive kingdom, it is expected that Majapahit left many monumental buildings to mark its existence. However, until now only a few Majapahit heritage buildings have been found. Nevertheless, by studying a variety of local wisdoms left by the ancestors, Majapahit heritage sites can be found. One of which was tetenger, a particular signing practice for the buried sites. This paper aims to review and analyze any specific signs or tetenger around Majapahit sites. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach. Data were acquired through observation, in-depth interviews, as well as literature studies. The study shows that tetenger was used as a marker of damped sites. It could be trees, stones, and tombs to which mystical or haunted stories were added. The purpose of tetenger was to protect buried sites. By studying tetenger, many Majapahit sites can be found.
Keywords: Majapahit, Tetenger, Local Wisdom