PERAN ETNOMATEMATIKA DALAM MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA ABSTRAK MELALUI LITERASI MATEMATIS

Sari

Ethnomathematics has emerged as a strategic approach in mathematics education to bridge abstract concepts with students' cultural experiences. This study aims to categorize the main themes from recent literature, identify the common denominator, and formulate the mechanisms of action of ethnomathematics in enhancing the understanding of abstract concepts and numeracy literacy. A systematic literature review was conducted using sources indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Sinta (2020–May 2026). A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed four main themes: (1) ethnomathematics in geometry and solid figures; (2) ethnomathematics based on traditional games; (3) ethnomathematics in batik art and architecture; and (4) integration of ethnomathematics with digital technology (AR, comics, e-modules). The common denominator across all themes is the use of local cultural contexts as a “concrete-abstract bridge”. The mechanisms of action include: (a) providing familiar real-world contexts; (b) structured mathematical literacy activities (formulate–employ–interpret); (c) social and reflective knowledge construction; and (d) enhanced motivation and cultural identity reinforcement. This study concludes that ethnomathematics effectively improves understanding of abstract mathematical concepts and numeracy literacy through a cultural bridging mechanism; however, its optimization requires teacher training, development of teaching materials, and curriculum policy support.