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Character education involves the assimilation of values in a manner that fosters the development of a positive individual personality. This is achieved by accumulating personal attributes, traits, and character. Traditions, on the other hand, emerge from habitual practices within community groups, forming an integral part of social interactions among them. The mattompang arajang tradition represents a yearly cleansing ritual of the ancestral possessions belonging to the kings of Bone. It takes place during the celebration of the Bone Regency’s anniversary. This study explored the significance of character education within the context of the mattompang arajang tradition in Bone Regency. The study emphasized implementing the mattompang arajang tradition and the inherent values of character education associated with it. This study utilized qualitative research, employing pedagogic and cultural/ethnographic approaches. The study gathered primary data from cultural figures, educators, bissue communities, and parewa bessi enthusiasts. The methods used for data collection included observation, interviews, and documentation. On the other hand, the techniques employed for data analysis involved data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The findings indicated that the implementation of the mattompang arajang tradition in Bone Regency can be divided into four stages: 1) Mallekke arajang, which refers to the process of relocating the arajang for cleaning purposes; 2) Mappaota, which involves seeking permission from the Regent to conduct the mattompang arajang procession promptly; 3) Mattompang arajang, which encompasses the cleaning process of the arajang, starting with rinsing (dilangiri), followed by charcoal cleansing with lime (ditompang), and ends with drying (disossoro); 4) Mappatinro arajang, which entails returning the arajang to its original location after it has been cleaned. The values of character education embedded within the mattompang arajang tradition in Bone Regency encompass honesty, tolerance, discipline, deep affection for the homeland, and social care.

Character education; Mattompang Arajang