Cultural Transmission of Life Values through Bekana: An Educational Perspective on the Dayak Kebahan in Sintang

Abstract

This article examines the transmission of life values through bekana, a traditional storytelling practice preserved by the Dayak Kebahan community in Sintang, West Kalimantan. The main issue underlying this study is the diminishing role of indigenous traditions in passing down moral and cultural values due to the pressures of modernization, which risks weakening the foundations of local identity and education. The purpose of the research is to investigate how bekana functions as a cultural medium of teaching, particularly in shaping ethical behavior, communal responsibility, and spiritual awareness among younger generations. Using a qualitative ethnographic method, data were gathered through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and textual analysis to obtain a comprehensive picture of bekana’s educational dimensions. The results highlight nine categories of values that are consistently communicated: honesty, responsibility, solidarity, respect, wisdom, heroism, patience, spirituality, and environmental consciousness. These findings indicate that bekana is not solely a form of oral tradition but also an educational system that integrates cultural heritage with practical guidance for life. The synthesis of these insights demonstrates that bekana serves as an informal curriculum, reinforcing community worldviews while enabling adaptation to contemporary social change. The conclusion underscores that bekana is a crucial resource for sustaining cultural continuity and for enriching character education, thereby offering valuable perspectives for bridging indigenous traditions and modern educational frameworks.