Transforming Basic Literacy Instruction through the Kapal Pinisi Application: Integrating Local Wisdom to Foster Basic Literacy and 6C Competencies in Elementary School Students

<ns7:p> Background The persistent lack of basic literacy and 6C competencies—Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Citizenship, and Character—among elementary school students poses a significant challenge to achieving equitable educational quality. Traditional literacy programs often neglect the integration of cultural values and technological innovation. To address this gap, this study developed the <ns7:italic>Kapal Pinisi Application</ns7:italic> , a digital learning medium rooted in Indonesian local wisdom, designed to strengthen students’ basic literacy and 21st-century competencies. Methods This research adopted a Research and Development (R&amp;D) approach using the ADDIE model, encompassing the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The application was implemented among 200 elementary students from ten schools across Indonesia. Data were collected through pretest and posttest assessments during small- and large-scale trials. The N-Gain test was employed to analyze improvement in learning outcomes, and ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. Results Findings revealed a significant improvement in students’ basic literacy and 6C competencies after using the <ns7:italic>Kapal Pinisi Application.</ns7:italic> The N-Gain analysis yielded an average score of 0.88, categorized as high effectiveness. Notable progress was observed in reading comprehension, numeracy, creativity, collaboration, and character development. The integration of cultural elements enhanced student engagement, contextual understanding, and motivation. Conclusions The <ns7:italic>Kapal Pinisi Application</ns7:italic> , which harmonizes local wisdom and digital innovation, proved highly effective in improving basic literacy and 6C competencies among elementary school students. This model demonstrates the potential of culturally grounded, technology-enhanced learning media to promote literacy transformation aligned with 21st-century education and sustainable development goals. </ns7:p>