Pencak Silat as a Social and Moral Media in Reducing Adolescent Conflict
Abstract
conflict among adolescents is an increasingly common problem in both educational and social contexts, marked by increasing cases of violence, bullying, and brawls. This study attempts to explain the function of pencak silat as a media for social and moral development in mitigating conflict among adolescents through descriptive qualitative methodology. Data were carefully collected through comprehensive interviews, participant observation, and documentation at selected pencak silat institutions in Indonesia, with participants consisting of trainers, adolescent members, and additional informants. The results of the study indicate that pencak silat not only fosters physical competence but also instills ethical principles such as discipline, responsibility, and self-control. In addition, pencak silat fosters constructive social interactions among members through collaboration, solidarity, and intergenerational guidance. Participants reported decreased aggressive behavior and increased capacity to resolve conflicts peacefully. The role of trainers as moral role models is critical in the process of instilling these values. However, challenges remain in maintaining behavioral consistency outside the training environment, especially due to inadequate support from family and educational institutions. This study concludes that pencak silat has considerable potential as a local culture-based character education strategy aimed at reducing social conflict among adolescents. Further integration with the formal education system and cross-sector collaboration are essential to achieve more optimal and sustainable impacts.
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