Dewi Anjani Folklore as a Learning Resource for Geography Education: A Literature Review
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examines the potential of Dewi Anjani folklore as a learning resource for geography education through a systematic literature review. Dewi Anjani is a prominent cultural figure in Sasak folklore, closely associated with the Mount Rinjani landscape in Lombok, Indonesia. The study aims to synthesize existing literature to identify geographical values, spatial representations, and environmental meanings embedded in the folklore, and to assess its relevance for contemporary geography learning. The research employed a qualitative literature review method, drawing on academic journal articles, scholarly books, ethnographic studies, and credible online sources related to Dewi Anjani folklore, cultural geography, and geography education. Data were collected through purposive searching using relevant keywords and analyzed through thematic synthesis. The analysis focused on identifying elements of physical geography, human environment interaction, cultural landscapes, and environmental ethics represented in the folklore narratives. The results reveal that Dewi Anjani folklore contains rich geographical content. Physical geography is reflected through symbolic representations of volcanic landforms, forest ecosystems, water resources, and environmental hazards associated with Mount Rinjani. Human and cultural geography aspects emerge through local beliefs, spiritual practices, and community based environmental norms. Additionally, the folklore conveys sustainability oriented values such as environmental balance, respect for nature, and disaster awareness, which align with current geography education objectives. The literature also indicates that folklore based learning supports place based education and strengthens students’ sense of place and environmental consciousness. The study concludes that Dewi Anjani folklore constitutes a meaningful and contextually relevant learning resource for geography education when integrated through appropriate pedagogical frameworks. By bridging indigenous knowledge and scientific geography, folklore based learning can enhance holistic geographical understanding and culturally responsive education. Future studies are recommended to investigate empirical applications of folklore based geography learning models in classroom settings.
Downloads
Article Details
Section

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
Berkes, F. (2018). Sacred ecology (4th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315114644
Brooks, J. G., & Brooks, M. G. (1999). In search of understanding: The case for constructivist classrooms (Rev. ed.). ASCD.
Catling, S. (2014). The child’s personal geography and primary geography education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 23(3), 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2014.927167
Catling, S., & Willy, T. (2018). Narrative and geographical understanding in primary education. Education 3–13, 46(5), 540–552. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2017.1332729
Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
Fauzan, A. (2023). Sufism and the sacred feminine in Lombok, Indonesia: situating spirit queen Dewi Anjani and female saints in Nahdlatul Wathan. Religions. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/8/563
Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Gruenewald, D. A., & Smith, G. A. (Eds.). (2014). Place-based education in the global age: Local diversity. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315769844
Kemendikbud Repositori. (2019). Raudloh, Siti. Cerita rakyat legenda Dewi Anjani penguasa Gunung Rinjani. Badan Pengembangan & Pembinaan Bahasa. https://repositori.kemendikdasmen.go.id/15033/
Kompas.com. (2025, July 3). Sejarah Gunung Rinjani dan legenda Dewi Anjani. https://www.kompas.com/stori/read/2025/07/03/155500879/sejarah-gunung-rinjani-dan-legenda-dewi-anjani
Lambert, D., & Morgan, J. (2022). Teaching geography 11–18: A conceptual approach (2nd ed.). Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.
Lombok Dispatch. (2026, February 4). Dewi Anjani: The legend of Mount Rinjani. https://lombokdispatch.id/2025/07/17/dewi-anjani-the-legend-of-mount-rinjani/
LombokPost. (2025, June 13). Dewi Anjani, penjaga alam dalam legenda Gunung Rinjani yang sarat kearifan lokal. https://lombokpost.jawapos.com/seni-budaya/1506135422/dewi-anjani-penjaga-alam-dalam-legenda-gunung-rinjani-yang-sarat-kearifan-lokal
Masterson, V. A., Stedman, R. C., Enqvist, J., Tengö, M., Giusti, M., Wahl, D., & Svedin, U. (2017). The contribution of sense of place to social-ecological systems research: A review and research agenda. Ecology and Society, 22(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08872-220149
Maude, A. (2016). What might powerful geographical knowledge look like?. Geography, 101(2), 70–76.
Morgan, J. (2011). Narrative and geography education: Reflecting on teaching stories of place. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 35(3), 451–465. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2011.561712
Roberts, M. (2020). Geography through enquiry: Approaches to teaching and learning in the secondary school (3rd ed.). Sheffield, UK: Geographical Association.
Semken, S., & Freeman, C. B. (2008). Sense of place in the practice and assessment of place-based science teaching. Science Education, 92(6), 1042–1057. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20279
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Somerville, M. (2019). Place pedagogy change. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-215-7
Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 8(45). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45
Tuan, Y.-F. (1977). Space and place: The perspective of experience. University of Minnesota Press. https://doi.org/10.5749/j.ctt1fjf1xg
Tuan, Y.-F. (2018). Space and place: The perspective of experience. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjf9vz4
Wals, A. E. J. (2019). Sustainability-oriented science education for transformative learning. Sustainability, 11(19), 5322. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195322
Zupic, I., & Čater, T. (2015). Bibliometric methods in management and organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18(3), 429–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629