Integration of national character education and social conflict resolution through traditional culture: A case study in South Sumatra Indonesia

Abstract

Local wisdom is related to the community's ability to understand the surrounding condition and the environment, which then is adapted to the existing situation. Local wisdom contributes to the way of living, knowledge and life strategies in the form of actions done by the local community to respond to various problems and meet their needs in life. Each community has its own outlook about a conflict that it is facing. The outlook is very dependent on the general conceptual framework, or a culture that surround it. Different outlook or perspective which causes differences can lead to a conflict between a community and another, which may trigger the myth of conflict. Every society has its own perspective of conflict, the myth of conflict, which differ from each other. "Tepung Tawar" (Fresh Flour) tradition is still still observed by people in Sumatra in resolving conflicts, marital ceremony, cleaning goods, either by individuals and groups, or between individuals and between groups. "Tepung Tawar" ceremony, called "tepungbedamai", is a specific ritual held to reconcile two parties in dispute, fighting or killing. "Tepung Tawar", a custom that is still developing and expanding in South Sumatra, is one of the local wisdom that is used as a tool of social control and for conflict resolution in the community. A society can model this cultural wisdom to achieve justice and unity by making sure that all parties reach an agreement and be willing to retain their anger and avoid a conflict. © the author(s).