The Vital Role of Civics: Understanding Local Identity and Preserving Cultural Heritage in Promoting Local Culture: (An Ethnographic Study in Sumberdem Village, Malang Regency)

This research aims to understand the preservation of local identity and cultural heritage in promoting local culture through universal cultural elements of Sumberdem Village community, including location, natural environment, art and origin as well as ethnic history, language, economy. In this research, the method used is a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach to understand and study local culture in Sumberdem Village, Malang Regency. Data collection was done through interviews, observation, and documentation. The data obtained were then analyzed descriptively and interpretatively in accordance with the qualitative approach used in this study. The results showed that the understanding of local identity and preservation of cultural heritage in promoting local culture is very important to maintain the identity and history of a community. it also highlights the importance of involving the younger generation in preserving local culture and implementing policies that support the preservation of local culture. Preserving local culture plays an important role in maintaining cultural heritage for future generations. Local cultural preservation efforts should be encouraged continuously, with community involvement being crucial in raising awareness of the importance of preservation.