Local wisdom is the knowledge, values and skills possessed by local people in an area. Local wisdom is usually related to the community's way of life, culture and environment. Local wisdom can help people solve problems, manage natural resources, and maintain harmony between humans and nature. What are the characteristics of local wisdom? The following is the explanation.
Characteristics of Local Wisdom
Local wisdom has several characteristics, including:
Derived from empirical experience and passed down from generation to generation
Local communities learn from their mistakes and successes in interacting with nature and fellow humans.
It is adaptive and dynamic in accordance with changing times and environmental conditions
Local communities are able to adapt to changing situations and create creative and innovative solutions.
Collective and participatory in nature
Involve all members of society in the learning and decision-making process. Local communities have a sense of solidarity, mutual cooperation and deliberation in solving problems faced together.
Holistic and integrative in nature
Pay attention to the balance between economic, social, cultural and ecological aspects. Local communities not only prioritize material interests, but also moral, ethical, aesthetic and spiritual values.
Locality in nature
Local communities value the diversity and uniqueness of their region, and maintain their identity and culture.
Local wisdom is a form of social capital that can be utilized to improve the welfare and sustainability of local communities. Local wisdom can also be a source of inspiration and innovation in facing global challenges.
How to Develop Local Wisdom
Local wisdom can help local communities overcome various problems they face, such as poverty, natural disasters, climate change and social conflict. To develop local wisdom, there are several steps that can be taken, including:
Identify and document
Identify and document local wisdom existing in the community, both orally and in writing. This is important to preserve and promote local wisdom to the younger generation and the wider community.
Carrying out research and development
Carrying out research and development of local wisdom using scientific and participatory methods. This aims to improve the quality and relevance of local wisdom in facing the challenges of the times.
Implement and disseminate
Applying and disseminating local wisdom in various fields of life, such as agriculture, health, education, economics, culture and politics. This can be done by involving various stakeholders, such as government, private sector, academics, NGOs, media and civil society.
Building networks and collaboration
Building networks and collaboration between local communities who have different local wisdom. This can enrich and strengthen local wisdom through the exchange of experiences, information and resources.
How to Maintain Local Wisdom
To maintain local wisdom, we can do several things, including:
Appreciate and respect cultural diversity
We must recognize that each region has its own uniqueness and characteristics that are different from other regions. We must not demean or insult other people's cultures, but must appreciate and respect each other.
Study and understand existing local wisdom
We can read books, magazines, newspapers, or other sources of information related to local wisdom. We can also visit historical places, museums, or cultural centers that store relics of local wisdom. Apart from that, we can interact directly with local people who still practice local wisdom in their daily lives.
Disseminate and promote to the younger generation and wider community
We can use social media, blogs, websites, podcasts, videos, or other media to share information and experiences about local wisdom. We can also create events that showcase local wisdom, such as festivals, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, competitions, or art performances. In this way, we can increase awareness and appreciation of local wisdom.
Develop and innovate according to community needs
We must not limit ourselves to what already exists, but must dare to create new things that come from local wisdom. We can combine local wisdom with modern science and technology to create products that are beneficial to society. We can also adapt local wisdom to changing social and environmental conditions so that it remains relevant and sustainable.
Examples of Local Wisdom
Local wisdom can be found in various aspects of daily life, such as agriculture, fisheries, health, education, arts and culture. The following are some examples of local wisdom in everyday life:
Intercropping system
A farming system that combines several types of plants in one land, thereby increasing productivity, ecosystem balance and biodiversity. An example is intercropping rice with corn, beans or vegetables.
Mutual cooperation system
A social cooperation system carried out by local communities to complete work together, such as building a house, cleaning irrigation canals, or holding a wedding party. This system shows solidarity, togetherness and shared responsibility.
Herbal medicine system
A traditional healing system that uses natural ingredients from medicinal plants, such as turmeric, ginger, ginger, or betel leaves. This system shows the local community's knowledge about the properties and methods of processing medicinal plants to cure various diseases.
Character education system
An education system that not only teaches science, but also teaches moral, ethical and cultural values that are in accordance with national character. This system shows the wisdom of local communities in preserving and developing national identity.
Arts and culture system
A system that reflects the richness and beauty of local community arts and culture, such as dance, music, literature, painting, carving or crafts. This system shows the creativity, aesthetics and expression of local communities in appreciating and creating works of art and culture.
Local wisdom is a valuable heritage that must be preserved and developed. Local wisdom can provide benefits to local and global communities in terms of environmental preservation, economic development, strengthening culture, and increasing welfare.
