President Prabowo Subianto held an important meeting with rectors and leaders of public and private universities in Jakarta on March 13, 2025. This reflects the government’s serious attention to the role of higher education in the nation’s progress. During the meeting, President Prabowo emphasized, among other things, the improvement of human resource (HR) quality.

This carries a deeper meaning, linking higher education with national character development and national insight. As a country with diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions, Indonesia must also focus on character-building and moral values within the education system. Higher education, apart from enhancing intellectual abilities and technical skills, must also shape a young generation with integrity, leadership, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Therefore, character education development is an inseparable part of building a socially just nation with visionary leadership. Character education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also possess good ethics and the ability to lead and contribute positively to society.

Equally important are moral values such as honesty, discipline, and responsibility, which must be instilled early in the higher education environment. Through various education programs based on character development, universities can directly contribute to the creation of a young generation that is not only academically competent but also socially responsible.

Thus, character-based education plays a vital role in shaping future leaders who are wise and capable of leading Indonesia towards sustainable progress. Leaders who are not only academically intelligent but also have integrity, empathy, and a deep understanding of human values will be able to guide the nation in facing various global and local challenges. Therefore, building an education system that emphasizes character formation is crucial for the nation’s future.

However, creating effective character education is not without challenges. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a balance between academic achievement and moral development. In many schools and universities, the primary focus is often on measurable academic achievements, while character building and moral values are often overlooked or considered secondary. In reality, both must go hand in hand to produce individuals who are not only intelligent but also possess integrity.

Another challenge to be faced is the strong influence of globalization, which brings rapid cultural changes. Globalization not only introduces new technologies and economic models but also foreign cultural values that often contradict local and national values. The rapid development of materialistic and individualistic cultures can erode the spirit of mutual cooperation, solidarity, and togetherness, which are the foundations of Indonesian society.

It is essential for character education to introduce Pancasila values as the foundation of national life. Pancasila teaches the importance of humanity, social justice, unity, and respect for diversity. By instilling these values from an early stage, young Indonesians are expected to understand the importance of cooperation, respecting differences, and prioritizing the common good over personal interests.

On the other hand, educators and parents play a significant role in supporting character education. They must serve as role models in applying these values in daily life. This way, character education does not only take place in schools but also becomes part of the culture and daily life practiced at home and in society. Universities must have a strong commitment to preserving national values, nationalism, and patriotism, which have been part of Indonesia’s historical struggle.

At the same time, national education, which emphasizes the importance of unity, integrity, and national identity, must be a strong foundation for character formation in universities. National education, which prioritizes national insight, nationalism, and patriotism, plays a crucial role in strengthening Indonesia’s national identity.

A pluralistic country like Indonesia requires a young generation that is not only academically intelligent but also deeply understands the importance of unity and diversity. National education is the key to fostering a sense of togetherness amidst the differences in Indonesian society.

Universities must be pioneers in promoting national values, teaching students to appreciate diversity, understand the nation’s history, and maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). The implementation of national education in universities is not only limited to the curriculum but also involves students’ active participation in social and cultural activities that emphasize love for the homeland and social solidarity.

Additionally, lessons on the nation’s struggle history and Pancasila values must be delivered in an engaging and practical manner to be more easily accepted and understood by students. Comprehensive national education that touches various aspects of life will create a young generation that is not only educated but also committed to contributing to the nation’s progress.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS
Member of the Expert Council of BPIP RI in the Field of Geopolitics and Government Management Strategy