Conservation of Sasak Traditional Settlement Model Viewed from the Perspective of Critical Thinking Skills
State University of Jakarta, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
The local wisdom of the Sasak tribe in Ende Village is evident in the uniqueness of their traditional settlement model. This settlement model has been passed down from generation to generation so that their tribal culture and customs are preserved. Their cultural knowledge has enabled existing customs to survive without any shift in meaning or broken down by changes in the environment. Furtherore, their knowledge on the condition and carrying capacity of the land had ensured that land areas are used properly within their capacity. This is true to the extent that the land in Ende Village has so far been protected from destruction or placed in critical condition allowing the village to be preserved as an attractive tourist destination. The purpose of this study is to identify the critical thinking skills among Ende Villagers in terms of land usage in conserving their traditional settlement model and local wisdom as well as determining the direction of conservation efforts regarding the traditional settlement of Ende Village. This research uses the quantitative descriptive method through observations and interviews. Results indicate that the Ende Villagers had high levels of critical thinking. This was shown in interviews regarding their settlement model and hereditary customs. The Sasak’s of Ende Village have managed to pass down their traditions with such great depth allowing upcoming generations to correctly interpret each and every custom that they inherit.
KEYWORDS
Critical Thinking, Local Wisdom, Traditional Settlement Model, Sasak Tribe