Implementation of Bagong Trenggalek Dam E-Comic Animation with Local Wisdom to Improve Cultural Literacy of Third Grade Elementary School Students

Abstract

Cultural literacy levels in Indonesia are still relatively low, as evidenced by OECD PISA data (2022) which ranks Indonesia 69th out of 81 countries, with only 25.46% of students achieving the minimum standard for reading literacy. This situation has led to a decline in young people's awareness and appreciation of local culture, including traditions in regions such as Trenggalek. Learning in elementary schools still tends to use conventional media that lacks context, making it difficult for students to deeply understand cultural meanings. This study aims to analyze the effect of using Dam Bagong e-comic animations based on local wisdom on the cultural literacy of third-grade elementary school students in Trenggalek District. The method used was a quasi-experimental design with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design model, involving two groups: SDN 2 Ngares as the experimental group and SDN 1 Ngares as the control group, each with 15 students. The research instrument was a cultural literacy test validated by experts and tested for reliability (Cronbach Alpha 0.724). The results showed that before the treatment, both groups had relatively equal initial abilities. After the intervention, the average cultural literacy score of the experimental class increased higher (49.15) than that of the control class (45.77). The independent sample t-test yielded a sig. value of 0.034, indicating a significant difference between the two groups. These findings prove that the integration of local wisdom through interactive digital media such as animated e-comics not only improves students' cultural understanding but also fosters a love for national identity. Thus, this media can be an innovative solution in the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum to shape Pancasila Student Profiles that are characterful and rooted in local culture