Character Education in the Ares Tradition: Constructing the Value of Altruism-Religious and Social Solidarity in Sasak Society, Indonesia

Background/purpose. This research will examine various factors that contribute to the continuity of the Ares tradition, including the role of traditional institutions, educational institutions, religion, social interaction patterns, and cultural adaptation strategies in responding to changing times by understanding how this tradition functions as a character education formation mechanism and how its values can survive. Materials/methods. This study utilised a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach involving in-depth observation techniques conducted in Lembar Village, West Lombok, Indonesia. For the interviews, the researcher used 12 samples or informants taken from Lembar Village and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the Ares tradition not only functions as part of traditional rituals, but also as a mechanism in shaping character education in social communities that instil values of togetherness, mutual cooperation, caring, and spiritual awareness in social life. Results. The participatory process in organizing this tradition strengthens social relations between individuals and shapes the character of a community that is more caring and oriented towards religious values. In addition, the sustainability of the Ares tradition in the midst of modernization shows the adaptation of the community in maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and the times. Conclusion. Based on the results of the exploration, thisthis tradition is not just a cultural practice passed down from generation to generation, but also an effective social mechanism that strengthens relationships between individuals and fosters spiritual awareness in social life.