Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): September

Exploring Geometric Concepts in the Medan Post Office through an Ethnomathematical Approach

May Sharah Athifah (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Tanti Jumaisyaroh (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Geometry is often considered abstract and difficult to understand because it is rarely linked to real life and the surrounding culture. Therefore, a learning innovation is needed using the Medan Post Office. A culturally acculturated colonial heritage building studied in depth from an ethnomathematical perspective. This study aims to explore the cultural values ​​and geometric concepts inherent in the architecture of the Medan Post Office using an ethnomathematical approach. It employs a qualitative ethnographic design, utilizing primary data from observations and interviews alongside secondary data from relevant literature; data analysis was conducted through reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal concepts of plane geometry (rectangles, squares, circles, semicircles, octagons, right-angled trapezoids, and isosceles triangles) and spatial geometry (pyramids, prisms, rectangular prisms, and cubes). The building embodies ethnomathematical elements resulting from the acculturation of local culture with colonial architecture, socio-historical functions, and environmental adaptation. This research enriches the study of cultural heritage ethnomathematics and offers potential as a resource for contextual, culture-based mathematics learning.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

misro

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion (MISRO) is a peer-reviewed scholarly online journal. The MISRO is published in March, July, and November three times a year. The MISRO is a non-profit journal whose publication is free of charge. The articles should be original, ...