Book

Integration of Ethnomathematics with Local Cultural Wisdom of Tapsel-Madina explores the meaningful connection between mathematics, culture, and education in the Tapanuli Selatan and Mandailing Natal (Tapsel-Madina) regions of Indonesia. Drawing on the cultural heritage of the Batak Mandailing community, this book demonstrates how mathematics can be understood not merely as an abstract academic discipline, but also as knowledge embedded within architecture, traditional textiles, language, crafts, and everyday cultural practices. A central focus of the book is the exploration of ethnomathematical ideas found in Bagas Godang, the traditional house of the Mandailing community. Its architectural structures, ornaments, patterns, proportions, and symbolic elements provide rich contexts for examining geometric concepts and mathematical relationships. The discussion also extends to Ulos and other traditional fabrics and crafts, highlighting geometric patterns, symmetry, transformations, repetition, measurement, and spatial reasoning that can be connected to formal mathematical concepts. The book further examines the role of the local Batak language in communicating mathematical ideas within Tapsel-Madina society. Mathematical terminology, counting systems, numerical concepts, measurement practices, and estimation are presented as important expressions of cultural knowledge. By recognizing local language as part of mathematical learning, the book offers an approach that can help students connect formal mathematical concepts with familiar cultural experiences and strengthen their mathematical understanding. Beyond documenting cultural mathematics, this book provides practical perspectives on integrating ethnomathematics into mathematics education. It discusses culturally responsive learning, classroom implementation, the development of ethnomathematics-based teaching materials, and a case study involving geometric transformations in a Tapsel-Madina context. It also addresses challenges related to teacher readiness, learning resources, community participation, and institutional support, while proposing practical solutions and recommendations for educators, schools.