PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Museums serve as vital institutions for preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing national identity, yet their potential in integrating local wisdom remains underexplored. Existing research highlights the challenges museums face in maintaining cultural narratives amid globalization but lacks a comprehensive approach to Local Wisdom-Based Museum Learning (LWBML). This study aims to (1) explore how museum learning based on local wisdom strengthens national identity and (2) develop a preliminary model of LWBML to enhance national identity in Indonesia. A qualitative research approach was employed, focusing on two case studies: Oranje Museum Fort (OMF) and Sultan of Ternate’s Palace Museum (STPM) in Ternate, Indonesia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, involving museum practitioners, visitors, and community stakeholders. Findings indicate that museum learning practices differ due to variations in management structures and historical backgrounds. OMF, with its community-driven approach, fosters contemporary engagement methods, while STPM, governed by the sultanate, emphasizes traditional cultural transmission. These differences influence how museums integrate local wisdom into national identity formation. This study introduces a preliminary LWBML model, identifying key components such as cultural leadership, community involvement, and historical narratives. The findings contribute to museum education discourse and provide practical recommendations for policymakers and cultural institutions to enhance heritage sites' roles in fostering national identity. By bridging traditional and modern museum practices, this research underscores the importance of integrating local wisdom into museum learning as a sustainable strategy for cultural preservation.