Bejoli, A Cultural Performance: Manifestations of Resistance, Identity, and Community Education in a Village in South Sumatra, Indonesia

In response to the declining engagement of younger generations in traditional rituals and the cultural commodification of local performances, this article explores the Bejoli tradition in Kuang Dalam Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia, as a form of community-based performance art that acts as cultural resistance, reinforces local identity, and serves as a site for intergenerational nonformal pedagogy. Using performative ethnography, this study investigates how Bejoli functions as an experiential learning space, enabling embodied learning beyond formal institutions. The analysis shows that Bejoli endures not only as an aesthetic ritual but as a dynamic platform where generations interact to transmit social values, local spirituality, and cultural awareness. Despite globalization and modern shifts, the core meaning of Bejoli remains intact due to selective cultural reflection. This study highlights the significance of community arts as dynamic, participatory, and relevant educational platforms for maintaining identity amid cultural homogenization.