Amir Serikova
Department of Cultural and Heritage Preservation, Emeritus Research Center, Skopje, North Macedonia

Published : 2 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 2 Documents
Search

Archipelagic Consciousness: Reimagining National Identity Through Local and Maritime Histories in Indonesian Primary Education Firzan Dahlan; Grace Freya Purba; Farah Faiza; Amir Serikova; Danila Adi Sanjaya; Yuniarti Maretha Pasaribu; Susi Diana; Christian Napitupulu; Maya Enderson; Emir Abdullah
Enigma in Education Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Enigma in Education
Publisher : Enigma Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61996/edu.v3i1.93

Abstract

The formation of national identity in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic state, has historically been dominated by a centralized, terrestrial-focused historical narrative that often marginalizes the rich diversity of local and maritime histories. This study addressed the gap in understanding how a pedagogical shift towards these histories could foster a more inclusive and interconnected sense of nationhood, termed 'Archipelagic Consciousness', among young learners. A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study was conducted over one academic semester in four primary schools across Indonesia. A total of 180 fifth-grade students participated, divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received a pedagogical intervention based on local hero narratives, inter-island trade routes, and project-based learning focused on maritime culture. Data were collected using a validated pre-test/post-test 'Archipelagic Consciousness Inventory' (ACI), supplemented by qualitative data from focus group discussions and student portfolio analysis. Quantitative data analysis revealed a statistically significant, large-effect-size improvement in the ACI scores for the experimental group compared to the control group. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, with major themes emerging that included the validation of local identity as integral to the national story, a conceptual shift from viewing the sea as a barrier to a connector, and an enhanced appreciation for inter-regional cultural diversity. In conclusion, the pedagogical model centered on local and maritime histories was highly effective in cultivating Archipelagic Consciousness. Integrating these narratives into primary education offers a potent pathway for reimagining Indonesian national identity as a dynamic, interconnected, and pluralistic tapestry, moving beyond a monolithic, land-based conception. This study provides empirical support for curriculum reform aimed at fostering a more resilient and inclusive national identity.
Cultural Congruence in Mental Health Promotion: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial on Integrating Javanese Local Wisdom (Kearifan Lokal) to Enhance Resilience and Reduce Stigma Susi Diana; Farah Faiza; Amir Serikova; Anita Havyasari; Shasa Indriyani; Vita Amanda
Indonesian Community Empowerment Journal Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Indonesian Community Empowerment Journal
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/icejournal.v5i2.48

Abstract

Mental health disparities persist in rural Indonesia, exacerbated by a lack of culturally appropriate interventions and high levels of stigma. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel psychoeducation program integrated with Javanese local wisdom (kearifan lokal) in improving psychological resilience and reducing mental health-related stigma. We conducted a two-arm, parallel-group, cluster-randomized controlled trial in 12 rural villages (desa) in the province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Villages were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=6 villages, 312 participants) or a wait-list control group (n=6 villages, 308 participants). The intervention, "Program Laras Jiwo" (Harmonious Soul Program), was a facilitator-led, 8-session group program co-designed with community members. It integrated standard psychoeducation with Javanese cultural principles such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), tepo seliro (empathy), and narrative elements from wayang (shadow puppetry). The control group received general health information. Primary outcomes were resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and stigma (Depression Stigma Scale). Secondary outcomes included mental health literacy, help-seeking attitudes, and psychological distress. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and 6-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects models were used for analysis. At the 6-month follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in resilience scores (Mean Difference [MD]: 15.8, 95% CI: 13.2 to 18.4; p < 0.001) and a significantly greater reduction in public stigma scores (MD: -8.5, 95% CI: -10.1 to -6.9; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Significant positive effects were also observed for all secondary outcomes, including mental health literacy, help-seeking attitudes, and reduced psychological distress (p < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, integrating Javanese kearifan lokal into a community-based psychoeducation program is a highly effective strategy for enhancing psychological resilience and combating mental health stigma. This culturally congruent approach offers a scalable and sustainable model for reducing the mental health treatment gap in rural Indonesia and other similar contexts.