Geography Perspective: Spatial, Social, and Ecological Dimensions of the Manggarai Ritual

This article describes the Penti rites of the Manggarai people through the perspective of cultural geography by highlighting the spatial, social, and ecological dimensions as a unit of local knowledge systems. Penti, which is celebrated as an expression of gratitude for the harvest, reflects the cultural philosophy that governs land use, settlement patterns, and sacred spaces such as mbaru gendang, compang, lodok, dan wae teku. This rite displays the harmonious relationship between humans, the Creator, and nature through symbols, actions, and spatial arrangements inherited between generations to maintain social cohesion and environmental sustainability. With a qualitative approach based on literature studies, this study shows that Penti is not only a cultural ceremony, but also a practical manifestation of geographical concepts: spatial geography appears in the arrangement of ritual locations and village patterns; social geography is seen in collective participation, kinship systems, and communal identities; environmental geography is reflected in respect for forests, spring water sources, and ecological balance. These findings confirm that Penti is a framework of local wisdom that brings together cosmology, social ethics, and environmental management in a sustainable manner.