Spiritual Ecology and Conservation of the Dewandaru Tree (Eugenia uniflora L) in Mount Kawi Tourism Site

¹ English Education Department, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
² Management Study Program, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
³ Accounting Study Program, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
⁴ English Education Department, Universitas PGRI Wiranegara, Pasuruan, Indonesia
⁵ Lithuanian Centre for Social Science, Vilnius, Lithuania
⁶ Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
⁷ Institute for Research and Community Service, Universitas Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, Malang, Indonesia

¹ Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Sacred natural elements in traditional societies often function as effective informal conservation mechanisms. This study explores the Dewandaru tree (Eugenia uniflora L.) at Gunung Kawi, East Java, as a biocultural entity that integrates ecological functions, spiritual meanings, and community-based conservation practices. The research applies a qualitative case study approach with ethnographic elements, using a socio-ecological and biocultural framework. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and ecological field observations involving caretakers, community leaders, residents, and visitors from different cultural backgrounds. The findings indicate that the Dewandaru tree contributes significantly to environmental balance by supporting biodiversity, regulating the microclimate, and preventing soil erosion. Beyond its ecological role, the tree holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for both Javanese and Chinese communities, which shapes collective ethics and customary rules that prohibit cutting, harvesting, or commercial exploitation. These symbolic protections have functioned as an effective form of community-based conservation for generations. However, increasing tourism activities, cultural commodification, and generational change have begun to challenge the sustainability of this informal system. The growing demand for symbolic souvenirs and the weakening transmission of spiritual values reduce the effectiveness of sacred-based protection. This study concludes that conservation grounded in local spirituality remains valuable but vulnerable, and therefore needs to be strengthened through integrative strategies that combine sacred values with formal governance, intergenerational education, and sustainable tourism management to ensure long-term ecological and cultural sustainability.