Efforts to Preserve Local Wisdom Amid Globalization and Technological Advancement in the Baubau City Community

Abstract

Globalization and technological advancement have generated profound transformations in social life, influencing patterns of education, communication, and cultural practices. While these changes provide greater access to knowledge and economic growth, they also pose challenges to the continuity of local traditions and moral values. Baubau City, located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, represents an important case for examining how local wisdom can be sustained in the midst of global cultural flows. As a society deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and rich cultural heritage, Baubau faces both opportunities and risks in responding to globalization and the rapid expansion of digital media. This study adopts a qualitative research design, combining observation, in-depth interviews with community leaders, educators, and youth groups, as well as analysis of government documents and local policy initiatives. The findings reveal that despite the strong influence of global culture, Baubau society actively pursues strategies to preserve cultural identity. These strategies include the integration of local values into school curricula, the revitalization of communal traditions such as Po’oma and collective work practices, and the strengthening of religious institutions as moral and educational foundations. Moreover, cultural digitalization programs have emerged as innovative tools to promote heritage and engage the younger generation, turning technology from a potential threat into a medium of cultural sustainability. The study concludes that maintaining local wisdom in Baubau requires collaboration among communities, educational institutions, and government authorities. Such efforts not only safeguard Baubau’s cultural identity but also contribute to global discussions on how local traditions can coexist with globalization and technological change.