Exploring the ecological values of the Sedekah Laut tradition in Cilacap community and its relevance to IPAS learning in primary schools

Abstract

Local traditions can provide meaningful contexts for connecting scientific concepts with students’ everyday experiences. This study explores ecological values embedded in the Sedekah Laut tradition of the Cilacap coastal community and examines their relevance to primary IPAS learning. A qualitative approach with an ethnographic–ethnoscience perspective was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal three interconnected ecological values: harmony between humans and nature, collective responsibility for marine conservation, and ecological spirituality expressed through gratitude and environmental care. These values correspond with IPAS topics concerning ecosystems, human–environment relationships, and natural resource conservation. The findings indicate that Sedekah Laut can serve as a contextual learning resource that brings local ecological knowledge into classroom learning while supporting environmental awareness and the preservation of coastal cultural knowledge.