Building Education through the Legend of Mount Ramelau as an Effort to Preserve Local Culture in the Mulo Aituturina Hatubuliko Ainaro Community

Abstract

Oral literature is a cultural heritage that reflects the identity of local communities and plays an important role in preserving cultural values. This study aims to explore the potential of oral literature from certain regions as an integral part of education, especially through its application in the school curriculum. The focus of the study is on how oral literature can be used as a tool for preserving culture while building the character of the younger generation. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data processing techniques are carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions to find patterns of relationships between oral literature and education. The research sample consisted of educators, school students, and community leaders who were directly involved in preserving oral literature. Data were obtained through interviews, participatory observations, and document studies in the form of local oral literature texts. The research location is centered in the Aituturina Tribe, Hatubuiliko District, Ainaro Regency, which has a unique wealth of oral literature and is closely related to local traditions and cultural values. The results of the study indicate that oral literature in the legend of Mount Ramelau can be used as an effective medium in teaching cultural values and strengthening local identity, while also having a positive impact on the formation of student character through deep and reflective learning experiences.