Digitisation of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Raising the Legend of a UNESCO Global Geopark Area

Authors

  • Prihantini Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Kampus Cibiru, Bandung, Indonesia Author
  • Kadiyo Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi, Sukabumi, Indonesia Author
  • Ja'far Amir PT Dinamika Lintas Generasi, Bogor, Indonesia Author
  • Nadila Shaleha Multimedia Education Studi Program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Kampus Cibiru, Bandung, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/UJLC.2026.v10.i01.p05

Keywords:

Digital comics, Education, Intangible cultural heritage, Legends, Puncak Manik Waterfall

Abstract

The potential extinction of oral traditions, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), necessitates systematic preservation in accordance with the UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Legends, as a vital component of ICH, embody local wisdom that should be adapted for younger generations through innovative media. It is a study in the field of educational sciences that documents oral traditions by developing a digital comic that narrates the Legend of the Puncak Manik Waterfall in the Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp). The research employs a Research and Development methodology grounded in the Borg and Gall model, with modifications to six of the ten stages, and combines a legal analysis of relevant laws and regulations as a normative foundation. Validation results indicate high efficacy, with media expert scores averaging 3.8 for graphics and 3.75 for displays, and a linguistic validation score of 3.7. Operational testing involving 30 catalyst teachers and 55 students produced a satisfaction rate exceeding 80%, demonstrating the product's effectiveness. The findings suggest that digital comics are a strategic medium for value transformation within a harmonized legal framework that aligns international and domestic regulations. It is recommended that this development model be implemented in other UGGp sites in Indonesia, including Batur, Gunung Sewu, Rinjani-Lombok, and Caldera Toba, to reinforce and sustain national cultural identity.

References

Book

Azwar, Saifuddin. Penyusunan Skala Psikologi. 2nd ed. Pustaka Pelajar, 2022.

Borg, Walter Richard and Meredith Damien Gall. Educational Research: An Introduction (4th Ed.). Longman, 1983.

Moretti, Veronica and Francesco Della Puppa. The Social Genres of Comics: Impact and Innovation of Comics in Social Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-99185-1

Palladino, Chiara and Gabriel Bodard. Can’t Touch This: Digital Approaches to Materiality in Cultural Heritage. Ubiquity Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.5334/bcv

Journal Article

Abellán Hernández, María. “New Spaces for the Diffusion of Webcomics. Instagram as a Platform for Editing and Promotion.” Sobre Practicas Artisticas y Politicas de la Edicion 10 (2024): 47–56. https://doi.org/10.30827/sobre.v10i.28604

Bakhtiar, Afakhrul Masub, and Arya Setya Nugroho. "Curriculum Development of Environmental Education Based on Local Wisdom at Elementary School." International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 15, no. 3 (2016): 20-28. https://ijlter.net/index.php/ijlter/article/view/952

Besmonte, Edgardo. “Identification and Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Tabaco City, Philippines, through Cultural Mapping.” Journal of Education, Management and Development Studies 2, no. 2 (2022): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.52631/jemds.v2i2.106

Catana, Maria Manuela, and José B. Brilha. “The Role of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Promoting Geosciences Education for Sustainability.” Geoheritage 12, no. 1 (2020): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-020-00440-z

Collins, Steve and Ian Craig. “Ar Dàimhean Is Dualchas: Safeguarding Scotland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.” Scottish Affairs 34, no. 4 (2025): 461-480. https://doi.org/10.3366/scot.2025.0565

Dewi, Amalia Nurma et.al. “UNESCO and the Definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Proposing some Conceptual Underpinnings.” Language and Semiotic Studies 11, no. 1 (2025): 71-94. https://doi.org/10.1515/lass-2024-0052

Dippon, Peter, and Johannes Moskaliuk. “Sharing Intangible Cultural Heritage: Disparities of Distribution.” Journal of Heritage Tourism 15, no. 4 (2020): 450-471. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873X.2019.1682003

Eichler, Jessika. “Intangible Cultural Heritage, Inequalities and Participation: Who Decides on Heritage?” International Journal of Human Rights 25, no. 5 (2021): 793–814. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2020.1822821

Ermiana, Ida et.al. “Ethnocultural Wisdom and Development of E-Comic.” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education 13, no. 6 (2024): 3618–3627. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i6.29176

Esfehani, Minoo Hosseini and Albrecht Julia Nicola. “Roles of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tourism in Natural Protected Areas.” Journal of Heritage Tourism 13, no. 1 (2018): 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873X.2016.1245735

Gilman, Lisa. “‘Our Culture Is Dying’: Safeguarding versus Representation in the Implementation of the UNESCO ICH Convention.” International Journal of Intangible Heritage 17 (2022): 39–54. https://www.ijih.org/volumes/article/1042

Gleisner Villasmil, Lena. “The Effects of Influencing Factors on Upper Secondary School Teachers’ Use of Digital Learning Resources for Teaching.” Computers and Education Open 7 (2024): 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100210

Gordon, John Edward. “Geoheritage, Geotourism and the Cultural Landscape: Enhancing the Visitor Experience and Promoting Geoconservation.” Geosciences (Switzerland) 8, no. 4 (2018): 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8040136.

Hili, Anas et.al. “Inventory, Evaluation, and Mapping of the Geological and Geomorphological Sites of the Tazekka National Park (Middle Eastern Atlas, Morocco).” Geoheritage 16, no. 2 (2024):1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00948-8.

Idris, Muhammad Zaffwan, Norsimaa Binti Mustaffa, and Syed Osman Syed Yusoff. “Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage Using Advance Digital Technology: Issues and Challenges.” Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education 16, no. 1 (2016): 1. https://doi.org/10.15294/harmonia.v16i1.6353

Kong, Mi Hee. “Marine Cultural Tourism Gwangalli Eobang Festival: Cultural Inheritance and Efficiency Enhancement from a Humanistic Perspective.” Journal of Marine and Island Cultures 13, no. 1 (2024): 111-134. https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2024.13.1.07

Kovaliv, Gabrielle. “Internet, the Paradise Lost of Comics? Observations on the Constraints behind Publishing Webcomics, Based on Interviews with Francophone Authors.” Studies in Comics 14, no. 1 (2023): 121–135. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1386/stic_00104_1

Labrador, Angela Michelle. “Integrating ICH and Education: A Review of Converging Theories and Methods.” International Journal of Intangible Heritage 17 (2022): 17-36. http://doi.org/10.35638/ijih.2022.17.001

Lam, Jason. “Cultural Preservation in the Face of Globalization.” International Journal of Business, Management and Visuals 4, no. 1 (2021): 27-32. https://ijbmv.com/index.php/home/article/view/36?articlesBySameAuthorPage=11

Lázaro Ortiz, Saúl, and Celeste Jimenez de Madariaga. "The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Critical Analysis." International Journal Of Cultural Policy 28, no. 3 (2022): 327-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2021.1941914

Li, Nana, and Yanxia Li. "Design and Research on the Digital Display and Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage Using Extended Reality Technology." In 2025 Third International Conference on Networks, Multimedia and Information Technology (NMITCON), pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1109/NMITCON65824.2025.11187861.

Manouach, Ilan, and Anna Foka. “Comics as Heritage: Theorizing Digital Futures of Vernacular Expression.” Heritage 8, no. 8 (2025): 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080295

Mathioudakis, Georgios et.al. “InCulture: A Collaborative Platform for Intangible Cultural Heritage Narratives.” Heritage 5, no. 4 (2022): 2881–2903. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5040149

Mbah, Marcellus, Ane Turner Johnson, and Ferdinand M. Chipindi. “Institutionalizing the Intangible through Research and Engagement: Indigenous Knowledge and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Zambia.” International Journal of Educational Development 82, (2021). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102355

Rahmah, Mutiara, Mailizar, and Yusrizal. “Assessing Validity of Problem-Based Comics for Learning of Social Arithmetic.” Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1460, no. 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1460/1/012023

Relvas, Cristovao, and Antonio Ramos. “New Methodology for Product Development Process Using Structured Tools.” Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture 235, no. 3 (2021): 378–393. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954405420971228

Rina, Nofha et.al. “Character Education Based on Digital Comic Media.” Method 14, no. 3 (2020): 107–127. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i03.12111

Ryu, Choong-Soo. “Customized 3D Webtoon Viewer Enabling Smart Device-Based Visual Effects.” Information (Japan) 19, no. 3 (2016): 889–894.

Sánchez-Aguirre, Daniel, Hector González-García, and Carles Canet. “Reflections on Geological Heritage as a Cultural and Natural Asset at Geothermal Sites.” Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geologicas 42, no. 2 (2025): 113-123. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22201/igc.20072902e.2025.2.1861

Siliutina, Iryna et.al. “Cultural Preservation and Digital Heritage: Challenges and Opportunities.” Revista Amazonia Investiga 14, no. 75 (2024): 262–273. https://doi.org/10.34069/ai/2024.75.03.22

Skublewska-Paszkowska, Maria et.al. “3D Technologies for Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation—Literature Review for Selected Databases.” Heritage Science 10, no. 1 (2022): 1-24. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-021-00633-x

Suprapto, Nadi et.al. “Scientific Mapping and Production Analysis of Digital Comic, Animation, and Digital Cartoon in Education.” Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 11, no. 1 (2024): 1–13. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03513-4.

Tahera, Khadija et.al. “Testing in the Incremental Design and Development of Complex Products.” Research in Engineering Design 30, no. 2 (2019): 291–316. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-018-0295-6

Trovato, Maria Gabriella, and Nadine Panayot Haroun. “Anfeh Costal Landscape: Preservation, Management and Landscape Planning Strategies.” Journal of Marine and Island Cultures 7, no. 2 (2018): 46–62. https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2018.07.2.03

Wang, Li-Ping Wang, and Qi Gao. “Research on the Influence of Technology Diversification Strategy on New Product Development Advantages.” Studies in Science of Science 41, no. 7 (2023): 1270–1281.

Yecies, Brian et.al. “Global Transcreators and the Extension of the Korean Webtoon IP-Engine.” Media, Culture and Society 42, no. 1 (2020): 40–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443719867277

Yuniza, Mailinda Eka et.al. “Quo Vadis Regulation on Underwater Cultural Heritage in Indonesia: Balancing Conservation and Economic Interest.” Udayana Journal of Law and Culture 6, no. 2 (2022): 143–165. https://doi.org/10.24843/UJLC.2022.v06.i02.p02

Legal Document

Republic of Indonesia. Law No. 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture.

Republic of Indonesia. Government Regulation No.87 of 2021 concerning the Implementing Regulations of Law No. 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture.

Republic of Indonesia. Presidential Regulation No. 78 of 2007 concerning Ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Republic of Indonesia. Presidential Regulation No. 9 of 2019 concerning the Development of Geoparks.

Republic of Indonesia. Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 106 of 2013 concerning Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage.

West Java Province. Governor Regulation No. 20 of 2016 concerning the Management Agency of the Ciletuh National Geopark Area in Sukabumi Regency

West Java Province. Governor Regulation No. 72 of 2018 concerning the Development of Geopark Areas in West Java Province

Sukabumi Regency. Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2022 concerning the Advancement of Regional Culture.

Sukabumi Regency. Regent Regulation No. 25 of 2021 concerning Master Plan of UNESCO Global Geopark.

UNESCO. Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage.

UNESCO. Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO.Executive Board. Decisions adopted by the Executive Board at its 161st Session (161 EX/Decisions 2001)

UNESCO. Operational Guideline for National Geoparks Seeking UNESCO's Assistance, 2004

UNESCO. Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks, 2015.

UNESCO. Statutes of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme.

Other Sources

Dispusipda Jawa Barat. “Sistem Informasi Kearsipan Nasional Dinas Perpustakaan Dan Kearsipan Daerah Pemerintah Provinsi Jawa Barat,” April 2018.

Nadil. “Legenda Curug Puncak Manik.” webtoon, 2024.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-29

Issue

Section

Articles