Revitalizing indigenous wisdom to prevent bullying: A qualitative ethnographic study of Bugis-Makassar cultural values in education

This study examines the possibility of Bugis-Makassar cultural values Sipakatau (mutual respect), Sipakalebbi (mutual appreciation), and Sipakainge (mutual admonition) as a framework for bullying prevention in schools in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This qualitative ethnographic study collected data from participatory observation, in-depth interviews, document analysis, and a classroom simulation with twelve key informants, including cultural experts, educators, and students from South Sulawesi. The research delineates methods for incorporating indigenous values into educational curricula and daily practices to cultivate a more inclusive, respectful, and sympathetic school atmosphere. Integrating Sipakatau , Sipakalebbi , and Sipakainge into school activities like peer mediation, character education, and classroom simulations promotes collective responsibility, moral integrity, and social peace. The findings indicate that these cultural norms substantially mitigate bullying by fostering mutual respect, appreciation, and constructive peer support. Nonetheless, the study recognises possible obstacles, like the reinforcement of social hierarchies and compliance, which may occur if these principles are implemented without critical adaptation. The study emphasises the significance of culturally responsive bullying prevention measures and advocates for additional empirical research to assess the long-term efficacy of this strategy. • Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, and Sipakainge form a local framework to curb bullying. • Classroom simulations/peer mediation embed these values into daily school practice. • Values build empathy, respect, and peer reconciliation, lowering bullying acts. • Status symbols can trigger bullying; critical adaptation prevents hierarchy effects. • The model offers culturally responsive prevention that needs further long-term testing.