What's 'Wisdom' in Local Wisdom Imaginaries on Indigenous Research?

Authors

  • Rangga Kala Mahaswa Universitas Gadjah Mada Author
  • Hardiyanti Hardiyanti Independent Writer and Translator, North Kalimantan, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32678/iseaes.v1i2.23

Keywords:

local wisdom, decolonization knowledge, indigenous research, critical epistemology, Indigenous People of Southeast Asia

Abstract

The abundance of studies on local wisdom in Indonesia is evident from a Google Scholar search, which yields a wealth of resources. However, the concept of local wisdom and its distinction from related terms such as ‘local knowledge’ and ‘indigenous knowledge’ remains unclear. This article seeks to clarify the notion of ‘wisdom’ by: first, re-examining  the definitions and debates surrounding local wisdom, local knowledge, and indigenous knowledge; second, tracing the models of indigenous research conducted in Indonesia; third, formulating a critical and philosophical approach to interpreting wisdom as conceptualised in Indonesian academic studies; and fourth, critically reflecting on the discourse of local knowledge, highlighting its role not only as a concept but also as a practical social movement that amplifies local voices.

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2025-09-26

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