Exploring the Potential of Jataka Reliefs at Borobudur Temple as a Science Learning Resource on the Topic of the Classification of Living Things

Abstract

Science learning at the middle school level is often dominated by memorization-oriented practices, resulting in limited connections between scientific concepts and students’ everyday experiences. Such conditions may negatively affect students’ motivation, engagement, and understanding of scientific concepts. Integrating local cultural resources into science instruction therefore offers a potential approach to creating more contextual and meaningful learning experiences. This study aims to identify the representations of animals and plants portrayed in the Jataka reliefs of Borobudur Temple as a basis for developing a locally contextualized electronic science module (e-module) for learning the classification of living things. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed. Data were collected through structured field observations, photographic documentation, virtual reality (VR) exploration of the temple complex, and a systematic review of relevant literature. The data were analyzed using the interactive model proposed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which consists of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed 18 taxa of fauna, including mammals, birds, and aquatic organisms, as well as 5 ty of flora depicted in the temple’s relief panels. These representations correspond closely with the morphological characteristics of Kingdom Animalia and Kingdom Plantae addressed in the junior high school science curriculum. Based on these findings, the identified cultural representations were incorporated into the initial design of a contextual science e-module for teaching the classification of living things. The study provides a foundation for integrating Borobudur’s cultural heritage into science learning while strengthening the contextualization of biological concepts through local cultural resources.