JEULAMyO: Journal of Education.
Language.
Arts.
Multicultural, and Expressio.
Volume 1 .
Number 1 , 2026 pp.
Open Access: https://ejournal.
id/jeulame THE ROLE OF ACEHNESE LITERATURE IN FORMING
IDENTITY ACEHEN CULTURE
Said Miftahul Fahmi1.
Mohamad Suhaizi bin Suhaimi2*.
Miftahul Ula3.
Khairil Aulia4 1,3,4Aceh Language and Literature Education Study Program.
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.
Universitas Bina Bangsa Getsempena.
Aceh.
Indonesia 2Assistant Professor di Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages.
IIUM Pagoh Campus.
Malaysia * Corresponding Author: msuhaizi@iium.
A RTICLE IN FO
A B S T R A CT
Acehnese literature is a cultural heritage reflecting the traditional values, religiosity, and local wisdom of the Acehnese people, passed down through generations through language and oral and written traditions.
The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with a literature review.
Data collection techniques include Keywords:
identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion.
Data Acehnese Literature.
Cultural Identity, and Acehnese Society analysis techniques include data collection, data presentation, data reduction, data display, and drawing The results of this study indicate that Acehnese literature is crucial for the development and maintenance of the cultural identity of the Acehnese people.
Traditional values, religious beliefs, social conventions, and local wisdom are passed down from generation to generation through various genres of oral literature, including hikayat .
, syair .
, panton .
, and hiem .
In addition to being a work of art.
Acehnese literature facilitates cultural transmission and identity building.
To preserve the continuity of Acehnese cultural identity in the face of globalization and modernity, education, cultural policies, and the use of digital media must contribute to the preservation of Acehnese literature.
Article history:
Received: 19 January 2026 Revised: 31 January 2026 Accepted: 2 February 2026 Available online: 3 February 2026 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.
Copyright A 2026 by Author.
Published by Universitas Bina Bangsa Getsempena
INTRODUCTION
Acehnese literature is a form of cultural expression that plays a vital role in the lives of the Acehnese people.
Through various literary genres, both oral and written, such as hikayat .
airy tale.
, syair .
, panton .
, and hiem .
ribute to folklor.
, the Acehnese people express cultural values, social norms, outlooks on life, and local wisdom, passed down from generation to generation.
Literature serves not merely as a medium of entertainment, but also as a means of education, preaching, and character building.
Literature is not merely an imitation of reality.
it is essentially a human creation born of creativity (Yusalfi et al.
, 2.
| 30
Said Miftahul Fahmi.
Miftahul Ula.
Khairil Aulia .
Journal JEULAMyO.
Vol.
PP.
In a socio-cultural context.
Acehnese literature serves as a medium for shaping the cultural identity of the Acehnese people.
Religious values, customs, social solidarity, and the spirit of Acehneseness are strongly reflected in Acehnese literary works.
Literary works can be viewed from an artistic and cultural perspective, where art and culture are not only integral parts of Acehnese identity but also serve as a means of maintaining the continuity of ancestral values amidst the tide of modernization (Mujiburrahman et al.
, 2.
Through literature, communities build a shared understanding of identity, history, and value systems that distinguish them from other cultural groups.
Acehnese literature is a crucial pillar in maintaining the continuity of Acehnese cultural identity.
This is because this culture has given rise to various social customs, including regional languages, dances, music, and traditional ceremonies, all of which are the result of cultural elements (Ramadhan et al.
, 2.
In addition.
Acehnese literature and language can be used as a means to encourage social harmony and cultural diversity (Munidar, 2.
Thus, the Aceh government must play an important role in preserving the Acehnese language and promoting its use in social, educational and cultural environments (Helmi & Sar, 2.
The findings of this study explain that the development of the times, globalization, and the dominance of modern popular culture pose serious challenges to the sustainability of Acehnese literature.
The rapid development of globalization and modernization currently carries a high risk of causing the erosion or even disappearance of local culture because it is not passed on to the younger generation.
Therefore, local wisdom as one of Indonesia's cultural heritages needs to continue to be passed on to the younger generation so that the values of environmental conservation and love of nature remain ingrained (Marpaung & Harahap, 2.
Young people's interest in regional literature is declining, while the use of the Acehnese language in everyday life is diminishing.
This situation has the potential to weaken Acehnese literature's role as a means of shaping and preserving the community's cultural identity.
Based on these conditions, an in-depth study of the role of Acehnese literature in shaping the cultural identity of the Acehnese people is necessary.
This research is crucial for understanding how Acehnese literature contributes to instilling cultural values and the extent to which its role remains relevant amid ongoing social and cultural changes.
The results of this study are expected to contribute to efforts to preserve Acehnese literature and strengthen the cultural identity of the Acehnese people today and in the future.
| 31
Said Miftahul Fahmi.
Miftahul Ula.
Khairil Aulia .
Journal JEULAMyO.
Vol.
PP.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research method uses a qualitative approach with a library research type.
The library research aims to explore in depth several relevant literature regarding cultural representation and moral values in Acehnese oral folk literature "Acehnese Literature:
Acehnese Cultural Identity.
" Data sources in this study are from several relevant literature such as folklore books, hikayat manuscripts, cultural journals, educational journals, and other websites.
The data collection technique in this research begins with the Identification Stage (Inpu.
, which involves searching databases for relevant literature.
This research process is completed in four methodical steps.
The study then proceeds to the Screening Stage (Initial Screenin.
, where the selection of found literature is carried out using abstracts and titles.
To ensure the data is appropriate, the researcher conducts a thorough text analysis during the eligibility stage.
The process of selecting the final literature that will form the basis of the study in this research ends with the Inclusion Stage (Final Result.
Through the process of data collection, presentation, reduction, display, and drawing conclusions, the data analysis technique examines the literature.
The data analysis technique analyzes the literature through the processes of data collection, data presentation, data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
This research discussion focuses on synthesizing various relevant literature sources to uncover the role of Acehnese literature in shaping the cultural identity of the Acehnese people, particularly regarding cultural meaning, moral messages, and the function of oral literature in social life.
The results and discussion are presented as follows:
Acehnese Literature as a Medium for Passing on Cultural Values and Identity Acehnese literature plays a crucial role as a medium for transmitting the values and cultural identity of the Acehnese people.
Oral literature such as hikayat .
airy tale.
, syair .
, panton .
, and hiem .
serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of conveying traditional values, religious teachings, and social norms prevalent in the community.
Through literature, the Acehnese people pass on their outlook on life, ethics, and local wisdom to the next generation.
Local wisdom is knowledge and a way of life formed through the community's efforts to maintain life, passed down from generation to generation, and used wisely to solve various life problems (Dewiana et al.
, 2.
The Acehnese language is used in literary works as a primary tool in fostering a sense of | 32 Said Miftahul Fahmi.
Miftahul Ula.
Khairil Aulia .
Journal JEULAMyO.
Vol.
PP.
togetherness and collective identity in the community.
Thus.
Acehnese literature serves as a cultural bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Acehnese society.
Acehnese literature is an art form that plays an important role in building social cohesion and togetherness among the Acehnese people and is an effective medium for maintaining and advancing Acehnese cultural identity (Dhuhri, 2.
Aceh is a region rich in cultural potential that has been marked by high levels of progress in the past and has placed itself as a focus of admiration and role model (Nucifera & Hidayat, 2.
Thus.
Acehnese literature plays a crucial role as a marker of cultural identity.
Cultural identity can represent the distinctive values that characterize a region.
This demonstrates that Acehnese literature has become more meaningful and contributes significantly to the lives of local communities.
The cultural identity highlighted in Acehnese literature reflects the uniqueness of the region.
Furthermore, the cultural values contained within it provide positive meaning and contribute to the development of individual success.
This identity reflects the uniqueness and strategic value of Acehnese literature, opening up significant opportunities in the realms of art, dance, and language.
Therefore, cultural identity needs to be understood comprehensively, one of which is through its function as a regional symbol that emphasizes Aceh's differences from other regions.
Efforts to preserve Acehnese literature require active community support in continuing to use the Acehnese language as a marker of regional identity, ensuring its continued existence and resistance to erosion by modernization or the dominance of the national language.
Thus.
Acehnese literature serves as a guide to cultural values and a reinforcement of the Acehnese people's identity.
Representation of Cultural Identity in Acehnese Literary Works The cultural identity of the Acehnese people is strongly represented in various works of Acehnese literature.
The study shows that the use of the Acehnese language, cultural symbols, and depictions of characters and settings close to the community's lives reflect Acehnese values.
Religious values, respect for customs, social solidarity, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature are often central themes in Acehnese Acehnese literature also showcases the mindset and attitudes of the Acehnese people, who uphold morals, ethics, and togetherness.
This representation strengthens literature's function as a mirror of cultural identity and as a means of fostering public awareness of its cultural identity.
Acehnese people even have a strong sense of pride in their own culture, as it is still alive and thriving.
For example.
Acehnese people still use the Acehnese language at home and at Acehnese events (Faramita et al.
, 2.
| 33
Said Miftahul Fahmi.
Miftahul Ula.
Khairil Aulia .
Journal JEULAMyO.
Vol.
PP.
This cultural identity needs to be preserved to become the region's identity.
Therefore, it is crucial to implement the Acehnese language in everyday life.
Changes in the use of the Acehnese language are influenced by various social factors.
Although it is still used in social interactions, the quality of its proficiency is declining.
Therefore, educational strategies and social policies are needed to preserve it and safeguard the cultural identity of future generations (Izzati et al.
, 2.
Thus, preserving the Acehnese language is not merely an effort to maintain a means of communication, but also a means of preserving and strengthening the cultural identity of the Acehnese people.
Challenges and Relevance of Acehnese Literature in the Formation of Cultural Identity in the Modern Era Aceh plays a significant role in cultural identity, thus Acehnese literature faces various challenges in the modern era.
Globalization, modernization, and the dominance of popular culture have led to a decline in interest in regional literature among the younger The use of the Acehnese language in everyday life is decreasing, thus weakening the function of Acehnese literature as a constructor of cultural identity.
However, research results show that Acehnese literature remains relevant as a means of strengthening cultural identity when adapted to current developments.
Therefore, the importance of a language revitalization strategy through digital media can be an adaptive solution in facing the threat of shifting the Acehnese language due to the dominance of the national language and globalization.
Preservation efforts through education, cultural activities, and the use of digital media are crucial strategies for maintaining the existence of Acehnese literature.
With the right approach.
Acehnese literature will not only survive but also contribute sustainably to shaping and strengthening the cultural identity of the Acehnese people amidst the currents of social change.
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Based on the results of the literature review, it can be concluded that Acehnese literature plays a very important role in the formation and strengthening of the cultural identity of the Acehnese people.
Acehnese literature, especially oral literature such as hikayat, syair, pantyn, and hiem, serves as a medium for transmitting traditional values, religious beliefs, social norms, and local wisdom, which are passed down from generation to generation through the use of the Acehnese language as a marker of collective identity.
The representation of cultural values.
Acehnese symbols, and the community's outlook on life in literary works shows that Acehnese literature functions not only as an aesthetic work, | 34 Said Miftahul Fahmi.
Miftahul Ula.
Khairil Aulia .
Journal JEULAMyO.
Vol.
PP.
but also as a reflection of identity and a means of fostering cultural awareness.
Amid the challenges of globalization and modernization that influence language use and the interests of the younger generation.
Acehnese literature remains relevant when adapted through education, cultural activities, and the use of digital media.
With the support of various parties.
Acehnese literature can continue to contribute to maintaining the sustainability of the cultural identity of the Acehnese people in the present and the future.
It is recommended that the preservation of Acehnese literature be strengthened through education, cultural policies, and the use of digital media by involving the community and the younger generation as an effort to maintain the sustainability of Acehnese cultural BIBLIOGRAPHY