<![CDATA[Background: Local wisdom refers to the environmental and cultural knowledge passed down through generations, which exists within community life. In education, integrating local wisdom can enhance character education by instilling moral values grounded in the local culture. Objective: This study aimed to explore the strategies employed by principals and teachers to enhance the character education of SDN Kawunggading students through locally wisdom-based games. Method: This research is qualitative in nature and employs a descriptive method. The study was conducted at SDN Kawunggading during the 2023 school year, with students as the subjects. Data were collected from the Principal and Homeroom Teacher using observation and interview techniques. The data analysis employed a descriptive analytical method. Results: The findings indicated that character education at Kawunggading Elementary School is implemented through local wisdom-based games, which help foster values such as honesty, tolerance, discipline, hard work, independence, responsibility, and friendliness (communicativeness). Conclusion: The integration of local wisdom-based games effectively supports the cultivation of character education, making it more relatable and meaningful for students. These games play a key role in promoting positive behaviors and values in students, while also preserving cultural heritage. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical novelty in the field of primary education and culture-based character pedagogy by uncovering practical leadership and instructional strategies to transform local wisdom-based traditional games into experiential media for fostering core moral values (honesty, tolerance, discipline, hard work, independence, responsibility, and communicativeness) concerning student character development within the context of rural/public primary schooling, an area that has remained insufficiently documented. These findings enrich empirical evidence and serve as a strategic reference for designing culturally responsive character learning models and school-level policies aimed at character cultivation and cultural preservation.]]>
