Character Education Based on Customary Law and Religion: The Contribution of Mosque Sasi to Meaningful Learning

Abstract

This study examines how the Sasi tradition, as practiced in mosques in Maluku, Indonesia, integrates local wisdom and Islamic teachings in character education. The Sasi tradition, rooted in customary law and community-based resource management, promotes values such as cooperation, gratitude, environmental responsibility, and social harmony. As mosques increasingly serve as centers for cultural and moral learning, these practices provide a meaningful model for students’ moral and social development. Using a combined methodology of systematic literature review and reflective analysis of field experiences, this study explores how mosque-based Sasi contributes to character education that is both contextually relevant and rooted in local culture. Results show that merging customary values with religious teachings strengthens students’ ethical awareness and cultural identity, while also fostering religious commitment and social responsibility. However, several challenges persist: misalignment between mosque programs and formal school curricula, limited documentation of local traditions, insufficient teacher preparation, and the effects of modernization, which reduce youth engagement with cultural practices. Collaboration among mosques, schools, families, and communities is critical for sustaining these efforts, but coordination barriers and resource limitations often hinder effectiveness. Despite these obstacles, the study concludes that mosque-based character education grounded in local wisdom offers a resonant model for holistic moral development. Strengthening curriculum integration, enhancing teacher training, formalizing collaboration, and using adaptive strategies such as digital media can improve the scalability and continuity of this approach. Ultimately, mosque-based Sasi offers a valuable pathway for nurturing ethically grounded, culturally aware, and socially responsible future generations in Indonesia.