<![CDATA[Local wisdom is a strategic asset for community empowerment, yet many traditional practices face a slow erosion of transmission to younger generations. This study examines the empowerment of local potential through the preservation of Ale Tuyu, a traditional woven-mat craft that has long formed part of the social and economic life of the community in Lembang Polopadang. The program was carried out by a group of university students through a community-service (KKN) scheme using a participatory action approach consisting of situational analysis, participatory planning, joint implementation, and evaluation. Activities included cultural observation, interviews with traditional leaders and Ale Tuyu craftspeople, introductory sessions for youth, hands-on weaving practice, and documentation of the craft process. The results show that the community increasingly recognises Ale Tuyu as a source of cultural identity and livelihood, young people began to engage directly in weaving practice, and collaborative relationships formed between students, craftspeople, and local leaders. The preservation process positioned residents as active agents rather than passive beneficiaries, indicating that culture-based empowerment can strengthen both local identity and community self-reliance. The study recommends sustained mentoring, intergenerational learning spaces, and stronger institutional support to secure the continuity of Ale Tuyu as a living tradition.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
