Creative Reading Based on Maluku Local Wisdom: A Study of Reading Comprehension Ability among Indonesian Language Education Students at UIN Ambon

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the creative reading comprehension ability based on Maluku local wisdom among students of the Indonesian Language Education (Tadris Bahasa Indonesia) program at IAIN Ambon. The research employed a descriptive quantitative approach, involving 32 students from Class A of the Reading Skills course during the odd semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. The research data consisted of students’ assignment scores reflecting their reading comprehension ability, with an average score of 90.52. The findings indicate that students’ creative reading comprehension ability falls within the excellent category, with 15 students (46.9%) achieving grade A, 16 students (50%) achieving grade B+, and 1 student (3.1%) achieving grade C. The integration of Maluku local wisdom into reading comprehension instruction was proven to be effective in enhancing students’ creativity and understanding of reading texts. These findings suggest that a contextual learning approach rooted in local culture can optimize cognitive processes in reading comprehension while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of Maluku cultural values.