<![CDATA[Globalization has brought about profound transformations across all facets of social life, particularly in the cultural domain. The rapid proliferation of information through digital technologies and social media has enabled global popular culture to increasingly permeate the lives of the younger generation, resulting in a progressive decline in interest in local arts and cultural heritage. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge to cultural preservation efforts in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of a local wisdom-based arts education curriculum as an instrument for cultural preservation in the era of globalization, with a focus on its implementation at State Senior High School 1 Rajagaluh, Majalengka. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and field observation. The findings indicate that the integration of local wisdom-based arts into the formal educational curriculum plays a strategic role in fostering cultural awareness, strengthening national identity, and cultivating 21st-century competencies including creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among students. The implementation is closely aligned with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes contextual and project-based learning. Nevertheless, several challenges persist, including a shortage of competent arts educators, inadequate facilities, and the pervasive influence of global culture through digital media. A sustained synergy among the government, educational institutions, teachers, and the broader community is essential for ensuring that Indonesia’s traditional arts and cultural heritage remain preserved, dynamic, and relevant to contemporary times.]]>
