St. Mislikhah
Purpose This study aims to examine cultural and ecological representations in an Indonesian high school language textbook, exploring how cultural preservation and environmental sustainability are portrayed to support character education and civic values. Design/methodology/approach Guided by a critical paradigm, this research adopts a critical discourse analysis approach framed by cultural ecology and ecological systems theory. Narrative, descriptive, and visual texts in the textbook were analyzed using Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis model to identify patterns and thematic constructions of cultural and ecological discourse. Findings The analysis reveals the presence of several interconnected themes, including ethnic diversity, traditional arts, local technologies, and environmental stewardship. Illustrations of traditional dances, indigenous transport, and climate-action activities function as pedagogical tools that foster cultural identity, environmental awareness, and responsible citizenship. The findings highlight the textbook’s role in embedding local wisdom and ecological values within the national curriculum. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of how high school language textbooks construct cultural–ecological knowledge by integrating cultural preservation with sustainability discourse. It underscores the value of visual and textual representations as agents of sociocultural harmony and environmental consciousness, and offers implications for future research on classroom reception and long-term impacts on students’ ecological and cultural literacy.