PENGENALAN BUDAYA LOKAL PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR MELALUI PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL DALAM MENDUKUNG IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA

Abstract

The introduction of local culture to elementary school students is a crucial step in fostering national identity and character education. In the context of Indonesia’s Kurikulum Merdeka, which emphasizes student-centered and context-based learning, traditional games serve as an effective medium to integrate cultural values into the learning process. This study explores the use of traditional games as a pedagogical tool to introduce local culture to elementary students while supporting the core principles of Kurikulum Merdeka, such as independence, collaboration, and contextual relevance. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with teachers, and documentation analysis at several elementary schools in culturally diverse regions. The findings reveal that traditional games not only enhance student engagement and social interaction but also function as carriers of moral values, historical heritage, and local wisdom. Moreover, teachers found these games useful for achieving various learning outcomes across multiple subjects, including Civic Education, Physical Education, and Social Studies. The integration of traditional games fosters an inclusive and joyful learning environment, aligning with the objectives of Kurikulum Merdeka in promoting holistic education. However, challenges remain in terms of curriculum planning, teacher training, and access to resources. Therefore, strategic efforts are needed to systematize the incorporation of traditional games into school curricula as a sustainable approach to cultural education. This research underscores the significance of contextual learning and the revitalization of cultural heritage through education at the primary level.