Local history learning as an effort to strengthen regional identity awareness in tenth-grade students at SMAN Model Terpadu Madani Palu

A Case Study on Regional Identity Awareness through Local History Integration

Abstract

History education serves not only to provide students with an understanding of past events but also plays a vital role in fostering historical consciousness, cultural understanding, and student identity. In this context, local history education becomes essential as it offers students the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, key figures, and events unique to their region. The proximity of local history topics to students' lives helps bridge historical knowledge with the social and cultural realities they encounter daily. This study aims to describe the implementation process of local history education among tenth-grade students at SMAN Model Terpadu Madani Palu, examine the strengthening of regional identity awareness following its implementation, and identify the obstacles encountered during execution. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using purposive sampling. The research informants consisted of history subject teachers and 35 tenth-grade students. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that local history education was implemented by integrating Central Sulawesi history into national history instruction in accordance with learning outcomes. The topics covered included kingdom histories, local figures, historical events, and cultural heritage relevant to the societal development of Central Sulawesi. Implementation extended beyond classroom instruction to include school cultural activities, such as wearing traditional attire and performing regional dance arts. This integration provided a learning experience closely tied to the students' social and cultural environments. The findings also demonstrate a strengthened awareness of regional identity reflected across four key elements: language, tradition, social values, and collective experience. Regarding language, students began to recognize the regional language as a fundamental part of societal identity and culture. In terms of tradition, students became familiar with regional customs and cultural practices, understanding the importance of preserving them. Regarding social values, students grasped values of togetherness, mutual respect, empathy, and social ethics embedded within regional history and culture. Meanwhile, through collective experience, students gained broader insight into historical figures and events in Central Sulawesi, including the struggle of local hero Tombolotutu, leading them to realize that regional history is a shared societal experience worthy of recognition and respect. Nevertheless, the implementation of local history education faces challenges due to a scarcity of learning resources and media, specifically textbooks and instructional materials focusing on Central Sulawesi's local history. Consequently, teachers must source supplementary materials to enrich instruction. Overall, the findings suggest that local history education plays a crucial role in strengthening students' regional identity awareness, as it not only imparts knowledge about the past but also enables students to recognize, comprehend, and appreciate the cultural elements and historical experiences of their local community.