Kulon Progo – The Subali–Sugriwo folktale from Kiskendo Cave is more than a traditional story passed down through generations. It continues to serve as a powerful medium for preserving myths, cultural values, and the collective identity of the Kulon Progo community. This finding comes from a study conducted by Nino Chairisa and Suminto A. Sayuti of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, published in 2026. The research reveals that the Subali–Sugriwo narrative remains alive through oral traditions, cultural performances, and community practices, making it an enduring part of local heritage despite the rapid changes of the modern era.
As digital technology and modern lifestyles continue to reshape society, many oral traditions are gradually fading. Younger generations are increasingly exposed to digital entertainment, leaving less room for traditional storytelling. Yet oral literature remains an essential vehicle for transmitting moral values, social norms, and cultural identity. Among the surviving traditions is the Subali–Sugriwo folktale of Kiskendo Cave, which continues to hold historical, spiritual, and cultural significance for the people of Kulon Progo.
Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the researchers examined the symbolic meanings of the folktale through Claude Lévi-Strauss' structuralism and myth semiotics. Data were collected through interviews with the caretaker of Kiskendo Cave and the manager of Jatimulyo Tourism Village, direct field observations, and document analysis. The collected information was then analyzed using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing to uncover the symbolic meanings embedded in the story and explain how its myths continue to be inherited within the local community.
The study found that the Subali–Sugriwo folktale possesses a well-organized narrative structure centered on themes of love, sacrifice, brotherhood, and conflict. The story follows a linear plot with Kiskendo Cave serving as the primary setting where the battle between good and evil unfolds. The main characters, Subali and Sugriwo, are portrayed as heroic yet imperfect figures who display qualities such as courage and loyalty alongside jealousy, anger, and ambition. According to Lévi-Strauss' structural analysis, these opposing characteristics symbolize the dualities of human life, including good versus evil, loyalty versus betrayal, and wisdom versus greed.
The research also highlights the profound symbolic meanings embedded within the story. Kiskendo Cave represents the eternal struggle between righteousness and evil. The Cupu Manik Astagina symbolizes the pursuit of power and the loss of family harmony, while the sacred Pancasona spell represents spiritual strength and perseverance. Rather than being viewed merely as fictional elements, these symbols continue to be interpreted by the local community as moral teachings that remain relevant in everyday life.
The continuity of the Subali–Sugriwo story is sustained through strong oral traditions. Local caretakers, community elders, and traditional leaders continue to pass the story on during cultural ceremonies, village tourism activities, and traditional theatrical performances such as sendratari. The researchers found that the community follows unwritten rules prohibiting alterations to the storyline, ensuring that its authenticity and sacred values are preserved across generations. This long-standing oral tradition has become one of the key factors maintaining the folktale's position as a vital component of Kulon Progo's cultural identity.
Since 2015, the local government and tourism village managers have strengthened preservation efforts by organizing large-scale cultural performances featuring the Subali–Sugriwo story. These performances combine traditional masks, Javanese gamelan music, local-language dialogue, and historical narratives of Kiskendo Cave. Besides attracting tourists, the performances also function as educational media for younger generations, demonstrating how collaboration between local communities and government institutions can effectively preserve intangible cultural heritage.
According to Nino Chairisa and Suminto A. Sayuti, the Subali–Sugriwo myth remains highly relevant in contemporary society because its values continue to guide everyday life. Principles such as loyalty, sacrifice, responsibility, self-control, and brotherhood are still reflected in local customs and social norms. Certain taboos and ethical practices associated with Kiskendo Cave also remain respected as expressions of cultural reverence. These findings demonstrate that myths are not merely stories from the past but living cultural resources that strengthen community identity while connecting present generations with their historical and spiritual heritage.
Author Profile
Nino Chairisa and Suminto A. Sayuti — Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta.
Research Source
Article Title: Analysis of the Meaning of the Subali–Sugriwo Goa Kiskendo Folktale in the Context of Myth Inheritance in Kulon Progo Regency
Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5, No. 7, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.227
Journal Link: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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