Breaking Java’s Wall: Representation of Local Cultures Manifested in the Indonesian Kurikulum Merdeka Textbooks

Abstract

Learning textbooks should reflect national identity through the diversity of local cultures. So far, learning textbooks only focus on the Javanese sociocultural context as an introductory learning discourse. This paper aims to identify non-Javanese cultural presentations and analyze the discourse of national identity contained in cultural content within three Indonesian language textbooks based on the Kurikulum Merdeka. The research method applied in this paper is descriptive qualitative with the principle of critical discourse analysis. Various data collection techniques were applied to provide in-depth knowledge related to the discourse and visual semiotics displayed. Grade 7 textbooks show that 40% of texts have cultural content with discourses on cultural tourism and nature conservation, and grade 8 textbooks show 7.69% with cultural content with discourses on inclusion and disability. In contrast, grade 10 textbooks show that 13.2% of texts have cultural content with discourses on digital culture on historical reflection. Local representations have been reflected in all three textbooks and contribute to national identity. Further studies need to be conducted on using textbooks in actual learning.