<![CDATA[Strengthening character education constitutes a strategic agenda in addressing the challenges of globalization and the declining sense of nationalism, particularly among the younger generation. This community engagement activity aims to revitalize the practice of tirakatan as a character education medium rooted in local wisdom. The tirakatan tradition is selected due to its spiritual, social, and national values, which are relevant in fostering historical awareness and strengthening national identity. The implementation method employs a participatory approach involving higher education institutions and local communities. The series of activities includes socialization, training of local facilitators, collective tirakatan practices, and reflective discussions on national values. Higher education institutions serve as facilitators and providers of academic perspectives, while the community acts as the custodian of the tradition as well as the primary partner in program implementation. The results indicate that tirakatan is effective as a contextual and meaningful space for character learning. The younger generation gains a deeper understanding of the nation's historical struggles and internalizes values such as mutual cooperation, solidarity, and religiosity. Collaboration between higher education institutions and the community also contributes to the preservation of local culture and the development of innovative non-formal character education models. This activity recommends further replication and development by involving multiple sectors, such as schools, youth communities, and local governments, in order to establish tirakatan as a collective movement in fostering national spirit.]]>
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