Exploring Local Wisdom in Nutmeg Cultivation: A Social Studies Teacher's Perspective in Fakfak, West Papua Province

Abstract

This study explores local wisdom in nutmeg cultivation and analyzes its factual condition in Fakfak City, West Papua Province. This area, a significant nutmeg producer with almost 80 percent of its territory in the form of nutmeg endemic forest, is an essential context in this study. Using a quantitative approach, the study involved 30 social studies teachers at the junior high school level. Data were collected through a Likert scale-based questionnaire and interviews with two social studies teachers. The main focus of the study was to evaluate teachers' understanding and views on the importance of local wisdom integration in the social studies curriculum. The questionnaire results showed that most social studies teachers understood the traditional techniques of nutmeg cultivation and agreed on the importance of integrating local wisdom. However, they also face challenges in linking learning objectives with local wisdom and applying innovative methods. These challenges include difficulties in evaluating and designing lessons that can accommodate local potential. These findings indicate the need for more support for teachers in developing the curriculum so that local wisdom can be optimally implemented in social studies learning at the junior high school level.