Bibliometric analysis on local wisdom research in Southeast Asia

Abstract Local wisdom, encompassing indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditional practices, remains a central pillar of social identity and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. Despite its significance, scholarly inquiry in this domain has often been fragmented, dispersed across multiple disciplines, countries, and methodological approaches. This study provides a systematic bibliometric mapping of local wisdom research in Southeast Asia, based on data retrieved from the Scopus database (1983–2025) using a structured search strategy. The final dataset of 371 publications was analysed using biblioMagika, OpenRefine, and VOSviewer to evaluate publication trends, disciplinary distribution, leading authors, leading institutions, and country contributions, as well as to identify thematic evolution and collaboration networks. The findings reveal exponential growth since the 2010s, with Indonesia leading in research productivity, while Malaysia and Thailand achieved higher international visibility through frequently cited outputs. Thematic clusters highlight intersections between local wisdom and sustainability science, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, disaster risk reduction, and education. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in cross-country comparative studies, the use of digital humanities tools, and the integration of policy frameworks. This study offers the first holistic bibliometric synthesis of local wisdom research in the region, contributing new insights into its intellectual structure and trajectory. By highlighting both advantages and deficiencies, it elucidates the necessity for enhanced interdisciplinary cooperation, methodological diversification, and policy involvement to ensure that indigenous knowledge persists in functioning as an essential epistemic framework for sustainable and resilient futures in Southeast Asia.