Dragel Tradition as a Contextual Pastoral Care Model in the Sangir Community

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the Dragel tradition among the Sangir people as a form of Indonesian pastoral accompaniment in coping with bereavement. Dragel is understood as a collective practice integrating mourning symbols, comforting songs, communal prayers, and the role of bearers to provide social, emotional, and spiritual support for grieving families. The study employed a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach, with primary data collected through in-depth interviews and participatory observation involving traditional leaders, the community involved and congregants engaged in Dragel. Data analysis was conducted interactively through data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Dragel is not merely a cultural ritual but a culturally-based accompaniment mechanism emphasizing solidarity, togetherness, and mutual cooperation as core community values. The mourning symbols in Dragel strengthen communal relationships and provide a space for collective expression of grief, thereby contributing to the emotional and spiritual reinforcement of grieving families. However, the sustainability of this tradition faces challenges related to youth engagement, urbanization, social mobility, and changing socio-religious contexts. These findings have implications for culturally-informed pastoral practices and the preservation of local traditions as contextually relevant models within Indonesian society. The study highlights the importance of incorporating social and cultural values into any accompaniment intervention to achieve authentic and sustainable impacts.