The Role of Acehnese Culture in Building National Character Amidst Indonesia's Diversity

Abstract

Indonesia is a multicultural country with diverse ethnicities, languages, customs, and cultures. This diversity serves as an important social capital in building national character based on the values ​​of unity, tolerance, and mutual cooperation. Aceh, as one of the regions with strong cultural richness, has distinctive Islamic culture, customs, traditional arts, and local wisdom values ​​that contribute to the formation of the character of the Indonesian people. This study aims to analyze how Indonesian cultural diversity based on Acehnese characteristics can build national character. The research method used is a literature study with a qualitative approach through analysis of various journals and scientific literature over the past five years. The results show that Acehnese culture contains religious values, tolerance, social solidarity, discipline, and respect for customs that are relevant in strengthening national character. Traditions such as peusijuek, mutual cooperation, the Saman dance, and Acehnese traditional values ​​​​serve character education for the younger generation. Therefore, the preservation of Acehnese culture needs to be continuously carried out as part of efforts to strengthen national identity and build a nation with character.