Habituation of Likurai Cultural Values as an Instrument for Student Character Education in Schools on the Indonesia–Timor Leste Border

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
This study aims to describe how local cultural values, particularly the Likurai dance, are internalized as part of student character education in schools on the Indonesia-Timor Leste border. Likurai culture, as one of the cultural heritages of border communities, contains various character values such as peace, togetherness, discipline, responsibility, and love of the homeland. This research was conducted at SMP Negeri 2 Atambua, using a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of in-depth interviews, literature studies, and documentation studies without direct observation. Informants in this study consisted of teachers, principals, students, and traditional leaders. The results show that Likurai culture is understood by the school community not only as traditional art, but also as a means of instilling contextual and meaningful character values. The habituation process is carried out through extracurricular activities, ceremonies, and the integration of cultural values into learning, especially social studies learning. Obstacles faced include limited resources and a lack of attention to local culture in formal school policies, while support comes from the local community and traditional institutions that have developed around the school environment. This study concludes that local culture such as Likurai has great potential to become an instrument of character education, especially the character of nationalism and conflict resolution that is relevant and contextual to the context of the Indonesian-Timor Leste border region.

Keywords: Likurai culture, character education, border schools.