Character Education in Indonesia

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Education and Character come from two different words. The definition of education according to Law Number 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System is a conscious and planned effort to create a learning atmosphere and learning process so that students actively develop their potential to have religious spiritual strength, self-control, personality, intelligence, noble character, as well as the skills needed by himself, society, nation and state.

Education is an effort made by the government and society to create a generation of achievers who can adapt to various conditions of the times. Basically, education aims to create smart and intelligent students. Education can be carried out in various places and conditions, it does not only take place in educational institutions, but is also carried out in the outside environment, including in the wild.

While character is the nature or basic nature possessed by humans. The nature or character possessed by every human being is not the same. The formation of character in a person is influenced by the values ​​he adheres to, these values ​​come from the cultural characteristics that develop in an area.

Character education is an effort made by educators to give birth to students who are tough and have various advantages. Character education not only emphasizes academic achievement, but also gives birth to students who excel in their personalities. The purpose of character education is for students to be able to bring out all their potential, in order to achieve success in the future.

According to Lickona, character education contains three main elements, namely knowing the good (knowing the good), loving the good (desiring the good), and doing the good (doing the good).

Character education cannot be separated from the culture that exists in society. Thus character education functions to form civilized students, have noble character and always do good.

Character education is closely related to morals, usually a child will have good character when educated with religious knowledge. Students who are educated with character education have better ethics, morals and character than children who do not receive character education.

In its development, character education in Indonesia focuses on five main character values, namely:

1. Religious Character Values, these character values ​​emphasize the values ​​of tolerance, mutual respect for differences in each other's religions and teach an attitude of love for peace and love for the environment, as well as using violence in solving any problems.

2. Nationalist Character Values, character values ​​which, when applied, will teach students to love the homeland, respect the culture and wealth that exists in Indonesia, and respect ethnic, racial and inter-group differences.

3. Value of Character Integrity, Character with integrity teaches students to become students who are committed and responsible for human values. Character with integrity also teaches students to be active in social issues that develop around them.

4. The value of independent character teaches students not to depend on the help of others, to have the fighting power and not to give up on various challenges that come.

5. The Value of Mutual Cooperation, teaches students to solve problems together. The character of mutual cooperation presents an attitude of mutual cooperation and mutual respect for the opinions of others.