Pemanfaatan Simbolisme Tokoh Ken Dedes dalam Pengembangan Ekonomi Kreatif Berbasis Budaya Jawa di Singosari, Jawa Timur

Abstract

This study aims to examine and actualize the symbolism of Ken Dedes as the foundation for developing a creative economy based on Javanese culture in the Singosari region of East Java. Ken Dedes is a legendary figure in the history of the Singhasari Kingdom, symbolizing beauty, spiritual intelligence, feminine strength, and a source of political legitimacy. These symbolic values are strongly relevant to the spirit of the creative economy, which emphasizes innovation, local identity, and cultural sustainability.

This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach using ethnographic and case study methods. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with creative economy actors, community leaders, and policymakers in Singosari, as well as documentation of cultural artifacts such as statues, historical sites, and local traditions related to Ken Dedes. The analysis was conducted interpretively, emphasizing the relationship between symbolic meanings, community perceptions, and the implementation of cultural values in creative economy practices.

The findings reveal that the symbolism of Ken Dedes remains alive within the cultural consciousness of the Singosari community, although it has not yet been optimally integrated into local creative economic activities. Cultural potentials such as the Singosari Temple site, Prajnaparamita statues, historical narratives, and local art traditions hold strategic value as foundations for product innovation and cultural tourism promotion. Moreover, community participation and local government support are key factors in developing a creative economy model rooted in local wisdom.

Theoretically, this research enriches the discourse on the relationship between cultural symbolism and the creative economy, while practically providing direction for the development of a creative economy model based on historical figure symbolism, oriented toward value preservation, community empowerment, and the strengthening of East Javanese cultural identity. Thus, the utilization of Ken Dedes’ symbolism not only reinforces cultural identity but also opens opportunities for sustainable and locally rooted economic innovation.