Indonesia Journal of Local Wisdom Education (IJLWE)
Vol 1, No 1, 2025, Page 28-32
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26740/ijlwe.v1n1.p28-32

The Training of Young Preachers (Da’i Kecil) Based on Islamic
History in Indonesia: Integrating Local Wisdom into Learning
Narong Kiettikunwong
College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
email: naroki@kku.ac.th
Khoirun Nisa'
Department of Education and Human Potentials Development, National Dong Hwa University,
Hualien, Taiwan
email: 611388112@gms.ndhu.edu.tw
ABSTRACT

This study explores the implementation of a "small preacher" training program based on the history of
Islam in Indonesia, integrating local wisdom into the learning process. The research was conducted at
SD Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya, with the aim of understanding how this integrated approach
influences students' religious understanding and character development. The study used a qualitative
approach, collecting data through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The results
indicate that integrating Islamic history with local wisdom significantly enhances students'
understanding of Islam, as well as their appreciation of local cultural values. The integration of values
such as cooperation, tolerance, and mutual respect, which are deeply embedded in local wisdom, has
proven effective in shaping students' character. The study concludes that combining Islamic history
with local wisdom can create a more relevant and impactful learning experience for students.
Recommendations include further teacher training, curriculum development, community
involvement, and the provision of adequate resources to support this integrated approach.
Keywords: small preacher training, Islamic history in Indonesia, local wisdom.
Article history
Received:
January 10, 2025

Revised:
February 15, 2025

Accepted:
March 6, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Published:
June 1, 2025

wisdom (Setiawati & Romli, 2023; Elyana &
Das, 2022).

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the
character and identity of the younger generation,
especially in forming their understanding of
history, culture, and religious values. One
approach that can be used to teach Islamic
history in Indonesia to children is through small
dai training, which aims to introduce children to
the duties of da’wah, religious values, and
knowledge of Islamic history relevant to their
local context (Harahap et al., 2023; Muzakki et
al., 2023). This training not only focuses on the
spiritual aspect but also includes an
understanding of the history of Islam in
Indonesia and how the religion developed in the
country, with an approach that integrates local

Islamic history in Indonesia possesses a rich and
distinctive dimension. The arrival of Islam in the
archipelago influenced not only religious aspects
but also reshaped the social, cultural, and
political structures of society. By implementing
small dai training rooted in Islamic history,
children can learn about the significant
contributions of Islamic figures in Indonesian
history, such as the Wali Songo, who spread
da’wah by integrating Islamic teachings with
local traditions and culture (Azka et al., 2024;
Nasution & Marsanda, 2023). This approach
aligns with education based on local wisdom,
which emphasizes the importance of instilling

28

Kiettikunwong & Nisa', The Training of Young Preachers (Da’i Kecil) Based on Islamic History in Indonesia:
Integrating Local Wisdom into Learning

values that resonate with local traditions while
maintaining universal religious principles
(Muzakki et al., 2023; Tsabita & Arifin, 2023).
Incorporating local wisdom into religious
education allows children to study Islam in a
more contextualized manner, tailored to their
cultural backgrounds. This method is expected
to foster a deeper understanding and
appreciation of Indonesia’s diverse cultures
while ensuring that religious teachings remain
relevant and applicable to everyday life
(Helawati et al., 2024; Ghaisani & Gani, 2024).
Consequently, this research seeks to examine
how small dai training, grounded in Indonesia’s
Islamic history, can be integrated with local
wisdom in education. The goal is to cultivate a
generation that is not only intellectually capable
but also possesses strong moral character and a
deep appreciation for their cultural heritage
(Rochmah, 2023; Triani et al., 2023).
This study aims to contribute to the development
of innovative and contextually relevant learning
models while offering new perspectives on the
significance of integrating religious values and
local wisdom into education. Such an approach
is essential for shaping the character and identity
of Indonesian children (Ghaisani & Gani, 2024;
Harahap et al., 2023).​ ​

wisdom in education (Patton, 2014). The data
analysis technique used is thematic analysis, by
identifying, categorizing, and interpreting data
based on the main themes that emerged. This
study aims to explore how small dai training,
based on the history of Islam in Indonesia, can
be integrated with local wisdom to form
character and religious understanding that is
relevant to the children at SD Muhammadiyah
15 Surabaya.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Result
This study aims to explore small dai training
based on the history of Islam in Indonesia and
how the integration of local wisdom in the
learning process can shape students' character
and religious understanding. Using a qualitative
approach involving interviews, observations,
and document analysis, this research reveals
several important findings related to the
implementation of small dai training at SD
Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya. Based on the data
collected, it was found that this training is not
only effective in enhancing students' religious
understanding but also in instilling local values
that are deeply rooted in Indonesian culture.

METHOD
This
study
was
conducted
at
SD
Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya, chosen as the
research site because the school implements
small dai training based on the history of Islam
in Indonesia and integrates local wisdom into its
learning process. This study uses a descriptive
qualitative method to gain a deep understanding
of the implementation of small dai training in
the context of Islamic education that is relevant
to local culture (Creswell & Poth, 2016). Data
was collected through in-depth interviews with
small dai training participants, teachers, and
local community leaders. In addition, the
researcher
also
conducted
participatory
observation to directly observe the training
activities and interactions in the teaching and
learning process (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011).
Documents related to the training materials,
curriculum, and the history of Islam in Indonesia
were also analyzed to enrich the understanding
of the integration of Islamic history and local

Figure 1.
competition

Documentation

of

Pildacil

First, small dai training based on the history of
Islam in Indonesia has proven to be very
effective in improving students' understanding of
the spread of Islam in the country. The program
emphasizes important figures in the history of
Islam in Indonesia, such as Wali Songo, who are
known as the spreaders of Islamic teachings in
29

Kiettikunwong & Nisa', The Training of Young Preachers (Da’i Kecil) Based on Islamic History in Indonesia:
Integrating Local Wisdom into Learning

Java. Additionally, the training reveals how
Islam has shaped and influenced local cultures in
various regions of Indonesia. Students,
especially those in grades 4 and 5, showed
significant progress in their understanding of
Islamic history. They not only learned historical
facts but also understood how the Islamic
preaching carried out by scholars and saints
blended with local culture, making it easier for
the community to accept Islamic teachings in a
more contextual and relevant way. This aligns
with findings mentioned by Muzakki et al.
(2023), who emphasize the importance of
developing curricula based on religious values
relevant to the local context in shaping students'
character.

(2023), who identify the importance of a
contextual approach in da'wah to facilitate
understanding among communities with diverse
cultures.

Second, the integration of local wisdom in small
dai training plays a significant role in shaping
students' character. Teachers involved in the
training actively incorporate local wisdom
values such as gotong royong (mutual
cooperation), tolerance, and togetherness into
each lesson. These values not only teach
students about the importance of social
relationships in daily life but also shape them
into individuals who are wiser in responding to
the diversity around them. Through this
approach, students not only learn about Islamic
teachings but also understand how these
teachings can be embodied in their daily lives
while maintaining harmony with the surrounding
culture and community. This is also supported
by Setiawati & Romli (2023), who indicate that
da'wah communication can shape children's
character through values relevant to their lives.

Small dai training based on the history of Islam
in Indonesia plays a crucial role in fostering a
deeper understanding of religion while also
raising awareness about the significance of
Islamic history in the Indonesian context. One
key aspect that makes this training successful is
its ability to connect religious teachings with
local culture. The history of Islam in Indonesia
is unique and rich, where Islamic preaching was
carried out with a highly adaptive approach to
local traditions and cultures. The da'wah carried
out by Wali Songo, for example, was not just
about teaching Islamic principles but also
aligning those teachings with the local customs
and culture. These figures are known for their
innovative methods, such as adapting art,
culture, and even local rituals to facilitate the
spread of Islam. In this way, Islamic teachings
did not seem foreign to the Indonesian people
but were accepted as part of their life, making
the process of assimilation easier. This aligns
with the statement by Ghaisani & Gani (2024),
who show how cultural approaches can enhance
religious enthusiasm among Madrasah students.

Third, the results of observations during the
training show that children are more interested
and absorb the material more easily when the
history of Islam is connected with elements of
local culture they are familiar with. Learning
that combines historical stories with relevant
local cultural practices makes the material easier
to accept and understand by students. They feel
more connected to the material being taught
because they see that Islamic teachings are not
separate from their cultural life but actually
support and enrich it. This process not only
deepens students' understanding of Islamic
history but also provides them with a broader
understanding of the importance of preserving
cultural diversity within the framework of
universal religious teachings. This approach is
also highlighted by Nasution & Marsanda

Overall, the findings of this study indicate that
small dai training based on the history of Islam,
which integrates local wisdom, is highly
effective in improving students' religious
understanding as well as in shaping better
character. Students not only acquire knowledge
about religion but also learn to appreciate and
preserve local wisdom that is an inseparable part
of their identity as Indonesians.
Discussion

By integrating local wisdom into small dai
training, the learning of Islam is no longer
viewed as separate or dogmatic, but becomes an
integral part of students' everyday lives. This
changes students' perception of religion,
showing them that Islam is not just a set of
teachings that apply outside their context, but is
also relevant to their cultural life. In this context,
children are taught to understand that Islamic
teachings can coexist and integrate with their
local culture. This process provides space for
students to appreciate the cultural diversity that
exists in Indonesia, as well as deepen their

30

Kiettikunwong & Nisa', The Training of Young Preachers (Da’i Kecil) Based on Islamic History in Indonesia:
Integrating Local Wisdom into Learning

understanding of how universal Islamic values
can be applied in various cultures across the
country. This finding aligns with Azka et al.
(2024), who emphasize the importance of
da'wah education that integrates local values to
shape tolerant and nationalistic youth.
Several values of local wisdom applied in this
training, such as gotong royong (mutual
cooperation) and the importance of interfaith
tolerance, are very much in harmony with
Islamic teachings that encourage peaceful
coexistence, respect, and harmony in a plural
society. These values not only support the
formation of students' character but also enrich
their understanding of Islam, making it more
humanistic and compassionate towards others.
In every lesson, these values are instilled
through real-life examples that students can find
in their daily lives, enabling them to internalize
religious teachings in practical actions. This not
only helps students understand Islamic teachings
but also fosters a high level of social awareness
and ethics, as found by Helawati et al. (2024) in
their study on developing self-confidence among
students.
However, despite the positive outcomes, there
are some challenges in implementing this
training. One challenge is the limited resources
available to support the training, including the
shortage of teaching materials that integrate
local wisdom with Islamic history. Some
teachers still struggle to adapt Islamic historical
content to local cultural contexts without
diminishing the essence of the religious
teachings themselves. This may be due to a lack
of references or adequate training for teachers in
developing more contextual and relevant
materials for students' lives. Therefore, it is
important to provide further training for
teachers, emphasizing the need to develop
curricula that not only teach Islamic history but
also connect it with the local cultural values
alive in society.
Additionally, there needs to be closer
collaboration between schools, communities,
and local religious leaders to support this
training. Such collaboration will help students
relate Islamic teachings to their social and
cultural realities, ensuring that the material
taught is easier for them to understand and
accept. Teachers also need space to innovate in
their teaching methods, so that the history of

Islam can be conveyed in an engaging and
relevant way for students. In this regard, support
from various parties, including the development
of resources and access to more diverse teaching
materials, is crucial to ensuring the sustainability
and success of small dai training based on
Islamic history and local wisdom.
Overall, this study shows that small dai training
based on Islamic history and local wisdom has a
positive impact on character development and
students' understanding of religion. By
integrating Islamic history with local wisdom,
religious learning becomes more alive, relevant,
and rooted in students' everyday lives. This not
only shapes a more holistic understanding of
religion but also cultivates a sense of love and
respect for Indonesia's history and culture. Thus,
small dai training based on Islamic history and
local wisdom can become an effective model for
learning.

CONCLUSION
Small dai training based on the history of Islam
in Indonesia, which integrates local wisdom into
the learning process, has proven effective in
shaping students' understanding of religion and
character. The research results indicate that by
connecting the history of Islam in Indonesia with
local culture, students find it easier to absorb the
material and feel more connected to religious
teachings. The integration of local wisdom
values, such as gotong royong (mutual
cooperation), tolerance, and togetherness, in
small dai training enriches students' learning
experiences and shapes their attitudes toward the
cultural diversity present in Indonesia. However,
challenges remain regarding the limited teaching
resources that integrate these two elements in a
more systematic way.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study, several
recommendations can be made to improve the
effectiveness of small dai training based on the
history of Islam and local wisdom. First, it is
important to enhance teacher training to help
them better understand how to integrate local
wisdom into teaching Islamic history, by
providing more innovative and context-based
training.
Second,
developing
a more

31

Kiettikunwong & Nisa', The Training of Young Preachers (Da’i Kecil) Based on Islamic History in Indonesia:
Integrating Local Wisdom into Learning

comprehensive curriculum that connects Islamic
history with various local cultures in Indonesia
can enrich students' learning experiences,
making them more inclusive and relevant.
Additionally,
collaboration
with
local
communities and religious leaders can enrich
learning materials and provide more dynamic
experiences for students. Finally, it is crucial to
ensure the availability of adequate resources,
both in terms of teaching materials, learning
aids, and external support, to support the
implementation of integrating Islamic history
and local wisdom into small dai training.

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