Researching Local Wisdom in the Naming of Tourist Attractions in Wonogiri, Meli Graduates on Time
Meli Intan Septiani conducted research on local wisdom in the naming of tourist attractions in Wonogiri from January to July 2025, using a toponymic approach. Toponymy is a branch of linguistics that studies the relationship between language and place names and can help uncover meanings related to the history, culture, and geography of a location.
According to Nur Fateah, her supervisor, Meli’s research is interesting enough to be used as teaching material for Javanese language on the topic of local wisdom and folklore in the Wonogiri area.
This research, published in the journal “stylistics,” successfully uncovered the meaning of the names of tourist attractions in Wonogiri, grouping them into three main aspects.
1. The first aspect is the aspect of manifestation: Related to the interaction between humans and the natural environment, including:
– *Water manifestation*: For example, Banyutowo Beach, which means “freshwater beach.”
– *Terrestrial Form*: Includes the physical form or surface of the earth, for example, Gua Tembus, which means “tunnel cave.”
– *Flora*: Place names derived from plants, such as Pinus Sewu (a thousand pine trees) and Sendang Sinangka (a pond with a nearby jackfruit tree).
– *Fauna*: Names derived from animals, for example, Bukit Cumbri, which is said to be home to many berry birds.
2. The second aspect is *Natural Object Elements*: Using natural elements such as rocks or pillars, for example, Mount Kelir, which is shaped like a wayang screen (kelir) and Soko Langit (sky pillar) due to its location on a hill.
– *Location*: Place names derived from the name of a village or surrounding area, such as Pidekso Reservoir located in Pidekso Village.
3. Social Aspects: Relating to human interaction as social beings, including:
– *Activities*: Such as Puncak Gantole, named after the hang gliding sport held there.
– *Name of a Figure*: Using the name of a revered inventor or figure, for example, Alas Donoloyo, taken from the Majapahit figure, Ki Ageng Donoloyo.
– *Hope*: Names containing prayers or hopes, such as Muncar Temple, which means “shining,” in the hope that the place will attract more visitors.
– *Cultural Aspect*: Reflecting local oral culture or folklore, for example:
– *Girimanik*: A waterfall named after a wayang character.
– *Kahyangan*: A place believed to be a spiritual location and often used for meditation.
– *Bedol Desa Monument*: Built to commemorate the sacrifices of the community whose village was affected by the construction of the Gajah Mungkur Reservoir.
*Community Mindset*
This study also found that local wisdom in naming tourist attractions in Wonogiri reflects five community mindsets.
– *Nature Conservation*: The most dominant mindset, indicating community awareness of preserving nature.
– *Historical Preservation*: The Wonogiri community strives to preserve local history and culture through the naming of tourist attractions.
– *Spiritual Facilities*: Several tourist attractions in Wonogiri have spiritual significance and are used as meditation sites.
– *Honor to Community Figures*: Tourist attractions are named after community figures or ancestors.
– *Location*: Tourist attractions are named after villages or surrounding areas.
Thus, this study shows that the naming of tourist attractions in Wonogiri not only serves as a means of identity but also as a repository of history and local wisdom that needs to be preserved. More details about this research can be accessed in the stylistics journal at the following link: https://journal.um-surabaya.ac.id/Stilistika/article/view/26423
Nur Fateah
Lecturer, BSJ, FBS UNNES
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