Character Values in the Peuratep Tradition in the Era of Modernization: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

The peuratep tradition is a form of Acehnese local wisdom practiced through the chanting of Islamic verses, advice, prayers, and traditional lyrics while lulling children to sleep. Although this tradition has long functioned as a family-based medium for transmitting moral and religious values, modernization and the increasing use of digital devices have reduced its practice in family life. This study examines the character values embedded in the peuratep tradition and how their transmission changes in the modernization era. This study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach in Pulo Rungkom Village, Dewantara District, North Aceh Regency. Data were collected through participant observation, structured and in-depth interviews, and documentation involving elementary school students, teachers, the principal, parents, and traditional community figures. The data were analyzed through data reduction, value categorization, thematic interpretation, and conclusion drawing.The findings show that the peuratep tradition contains three dominant character values: religiosity, social care, and love for the homeland. These values are transmitted through religious chants, moral advice, expressions of affection, prayers, and culturally meaningful verses. However, modernization has shifted bedtime routines from oral family interaction to the use of smartphones and television, reducing children’s direct exposure to the tradition.The peuratep tradition remains relevant as an informal character education medium because it combines emotional closeness, cultural identity, and moral habituation. Its revitalization requires collaboration among families, schools, and communities through parenting programs, local-content learning, and culturally adaptive educational activities.