ECOLITERACY VALUES IN INDONESIAN FOLKLORE AS LEARNING RESOURCES FOR STRENGTHENING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/ishel.v2i1.68245Keywords:
ecoliteracy, indonesian folklore, environmental awareness, ecocriticism, language learningAbstract
This study examines ecoliteracy values represented in Indonesian folklore and explores their potential as culturally responsive learning resources for strengthening students’ environmental awareness. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, the study applies ecocritical and ecoliteracy perspectives to selected folktales from several Indonesian regions. Data were collected through document analysis and examined using qualitative content analysis by identifying narrative elements, ecological messages, forms of local wisdom, and representations of human–nature relationships. The analysis reveals four major ecoliteracy values: environmental conservation, respect for living systems, responsible use of natural resources, and awareness of the consequences of human actions on ecological balance. These values are conveyed through characters, conflicts, settings, symbols, and moral messages embedded in the stories. The findings also indicate that Indonesian folklore offers contextual, culturally meaningful, and reflective materials for Indonesian language and literature learning. Its integration into classroom activities may support students in interpreting texts critically, connecting local cultural knowledge with contemporary environmental issues, and developing ecological responsibility. This study contributes to Indonesian language and literature education by positioning folklore not only as cultural heritage, but also as a pedagogical resource for ecoliteracy-oriented learning.
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