Integrating Malay cultural values into the green school program: A study of sustainability practices in Indonesian secondary schools

Abstract

The Green School Program is a nationwide initiative launched by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, aimed at fostering environmentally sustainable and student-centered learning environments across various educational levels. This research examines the program's implementation in secondary schools in Pekanbaru City, Riau Province. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through document reviews, direct observations, and both closed and open-ended interviews. The study involved 794 participants, including two school supervisors, ten principals, 136 teachers, and 646 students from general and vocational high schools. Data analysis followed systematic procedures such as collection, classification, presentation, condensation, analysis, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate successful implementation of the Green School Program in Pekanbaru, highlighting a significant integration of Malay cultural values that emphasize sustainability and community-based environmental stewardship. This cultural integration is supported by local government policies and embedded into school curricula, extracurricular activities, environmental management practices, and school facility designs. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning national educational initiatives with local cultural contexts to improve their relevance and effectiveness. It recommends that the Ministry of Education consider culturally contextualized strategies when expanding the Green School Program to other regions. Future research should explore how cultural integration influences the motivation and commitment of teachers and students in supporting environmental education efforts.