The Traditional Leadership Model of Nias as a Pillar of Local Wisdom in Strengthening Cultural Identity and Character Education

Abstract

This article explores the traditional leadership model of the Nias people in North Sumatra as a vital source of local wisdom for strengthening cultural identity and character education. Rooted in ancestral customs, the Nias leadership structure, centered on the role of Si’ulu (hereditary chiefs) and supported by Si’ila (a council of elders), is deeply integrated into the community's cultural, moral, and social fabric. Through ethnographic analysis and a literature review. This research argues that the principles and practices of Nias leadership offer valuable frameworks for character education, particularly in the context of Indonesia's national efforts to strengthen civic and moral values in schools. The study concludes that integrating traditional leadership values into educational and community-based programs can revitalize indigenous heritage, foster intercultural understanding, and build character rooted in local wisdom. As such, the Nias leadership model remains highly relevant to contemporary cultural preservation and educational innovation.