PERAN GURU DALAM MENTRANSMISIKAN NILAI-NILAI ITIHASA DAN BUDAYA BALI KEPADA GENERASI MUDA

Abstract

The advancement of digital technology, shifting patterns of social interaction, and the younger generation's increasing access to diverse global cultures present both challenges and opportunities for the sustainability of local cultural values. In the Balinese context, the Itihasa comprising the Ramayana and Mahabharata holds a significant position as a source of narratives, moral values, ethics, spirituality, and exemplary models applicable to character education. However, the mere existence of these values ​​does not automatically guarantee their transmission to the younger generation. Teachers occupy a strategic position as educators, role models, facilitators, cultural mediators, and designers of learning experiences that enable students to comprehend and contextualize these values. This study aims to analyze the teacher's role in transmitting Itihasa and Balinese cultural values ​​to the younger generation and to identify relevant instructional strategies for strengthening students' cultural identity. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing literature reviews and document analysis. Data consisting of scholarly articles, books, educational documents, and research findings regarding the Itihasa, character education, Balinese local wisdom, and culture-based learning were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the teacher's role in value transmission can be categorized into five primary forms: a source of cultural knowledge, a role model of values, a facilitator of moral reflection, a mediator between tradition and modern life, and an innovator in culture-based learning. Values ​​such as dharma (righteousness), satya (truthfulness), responsibility, loyalty, self-control, social concern, respect for others, and environmental harmony can be integrated through Itihasa narratives, discussions, role-playing, cultural projects, contextual learning, and digital media. Value transmission becomes more meaningful when teachers go beyond merely recounting stories and instead help students connect the values ​​found within them to real-life situations. Thus, education based on Itihasa and Balinese culture can serve as an approach to strengthening the cultural literacy, character, and identity of the younger generation without isolating them from global developments.

Keywords: teachers, Itihasa, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Balinese culture, character education, younger generation, local wisdom