Cultural Foundations for Green Futures: Tunjuk Ajar Melayu's Values in Early Childhood Education

This study explores the integration of Tunjuk Ajar Melayu , traditional cultural guidelines from the Riau Malay community, into early childhood education, with a focus on environmental and sustainable development contexts. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, the research delves into Malay Politeness and Spirit by Tenas Effendi to extract and analyze core values such as good character, social tact, and situational intelligence, along with deliberative wisdom, tolerance, humility, and generosity. These values are crucial not only for social and emotional development but also for fostering an understanding of environmental stewardship among young children. The study methodically interprets how these traditional teachings can enhance ecological awareness by promoting lifestyles in harmony with nature, respecting biodiversity, and practicing sustainable resource management. By integrating these values into educational curricula, the research highlights their potential to cultivate environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped to address global sustainability challenges. The findings suggest that embedding local wisdom in early childhood education can serve as a model for global educational practices that support sustainable societal development. This approach not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also aligns with environmental conservation efforts, thereby contributing to the broader goals of ecological sustainability and resilience.