Raising Awareness of Rapai History: Introducing Acehnese Culture to Almuslim University Students

Sosialisasi Tentang Sejarah Rapai Sebagai Wujud Pengenalan Budaya Aceh pada Mahasiswa Universitas Almuslim

Abstract

This community service activity aimed to provide participants with knowledge and understanding regarding the origins of the Acehnese *rapai* art form, its various types, performance practices, and the individuals involved; it also highlighted the spirit of communal cooperation (*gotong-royong*) inherent in this traditional art. Furthermore, the activity fostered a personal appreciation for local culture among participants and encouraged its preservation amidst technological advancements. The outcomes of this community service initiative—conducted by a team of lecturers and students from the Postgraduate Social Studies Education Program at Almuslim University, Bireuen, Aceh—include: 1) enhanced knowledge and understanding of the history and types of *rapai* within Acehnese society; and 2) a deepened appreciation for distinctive Acehnese culture, thereby cultivating a generation capable of grasping the significance of local traditions and actively preserving Acehnese culture.