Siri’, Pesse’, and Ecological Love: Reinterpreting Bugis Islamic Cultural Theology in a Curriculum Based on Compassion and Sustainability

Abstract

This article explores the reinterpretation of Bugis Islamic cultural theology through the concepts of siri’ (shame/honor) and pesse’ (compassion) within the framework of ecological love and sustainable curriculum development. The Bugis people of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, possess rich cultural wisdom that integrates Islamic values with local traditions, offering profound insights for contemporary environmental education. By examining how siri’ and pesse’ can be recontextualized as ecological virtues, this study proposes a curriculum model that bridges cultural preservation, Islamic theology, and environmental sustainability. The research demonstrates that siri’ can be reinterpreted as ecological responsibility and dignity toward nature, while pesse’ embodies compassion for all creation. This integration creates a culturally responsive educational approach that addresses the urgent need for environmental consciousness while maintaining cultural identity. The proposed curriculum framework offers practical pathways for educators to develop learning experiences grounded in both Islamic ecological principles and indigenous wisdom, fostering students who are environmentally conscious, culturally rooted, and spiritually engaged.