Integration of ecological local wisdom in grade VII junior high school Indonesian language coursebooks in Central Java

Abstract

This study analyses the representation of ecological local wisdom in three seventh-grade Indonesian language coursebooks used in junior high schools across Central Java, Indonesia. Adopting a qualitative design with a content analysis approach, the research examines textual and visual elements—words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and illustrations—within the coursebooks. Data validity was ensured through triangulation using multiple ecological and cultural perspectives. The study’s novelty lies in its focus on the integration of ecological local wisdom within Indonesian language materials, a topic that remains underexplored in the Central Java context. The findings indicate that, although elements of local wisdom are present, their ecological dimensions are not explicitly articulated or systematically integrated into the learning materials. Moreover, the identified local wisdoms originate from various provinces—such as Riau, Yogyakarta, Aceh, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and Papua—rather than from Central Java itself. This geographical mismatch poses challenges for contextual learning among teachers and students in the region. The study concludes that developing regionally grounded and ecologically responsive Indonesian language coursebooks is essential to promote contextual literacy and strengthen students’ ecological awareness.