Kitab Kuning as a Medium of Javanese Language Heritage Maintenance in The Rural Community of Gedung Karyajitu

Abstract

This study examines efforts to preserve Jawa Krama Inggil (JKI) Kitab Kuning (KK )and its instruction at the Gedung Karya Jitu Islamic Boarding School (a.k.a pesantren) in South Rawajitu District. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three teachers andwere analyzed thematically. The results showed that KK plays an important role in preserving JKI as a linguistic and moral medium in the pesantren environment. Through the use of Javanese krama in religious teaching, teachers instill cultural values such as respect, politeness, and moral discipline. However, there are still several challenges, such as the students' limited understanding of refined vocabulary, the dominance of Indonesian in everyday communication, and the lack of modern and contextual teaching materials. This study concludes that the preservation of KI through the KK needs to be complemented by broader revitalization efforts by integrating its use in the fields of education, family, and digital media so that the sustainability of this language is maintained as an important part of the cultural identity of the Javanese people.