Character Education Impact for 2045 Indonesian Golden Generation

Character Education Impact for 2045 Indonesian Golden Generation

As you know, in 2045 Indonesia will celebrate its one-hundredth years of independence.  At this age, Indonesia was predicted to be one of the world’s economic giants. “Oberman et al., 2012” clarified that Indonesia placed 16^th-largest economy in the world, and in 2030 Indonesia has a potential to place the 7^th-largest. On the other hands, the demographic bonus also said that in 2010 until 2030 the youths who belong at the working age group will dominate Indonesia. This group is about one hundred million people and it means that it is larger than the group of elderly and children.

From this information, we can see that this generation, those who are school-aged right now, is the key for the future of Indonesia. However, this generation can also be a disaster if they are not well educated. This golden generation should be prepared from now through having a good education because it is essential for the future of Indonesia.

A good education not only provides the competence of knowledge and skills but also characters. Unfortunately, education in Indonesia is not fully concerned about character; however, the government had made some improvement and had implanted character education in 2013 Curriculum.  In practice, education in Indonesia still focuses on knowledge to get a good grade on exam. They made no importance on process and character.  In fact, those things, process, and character, are valuable to help this generation in building a better Indonesia.

Many great people said that character education is important. The American adventurer and president, Theodore Roosevelt said, “To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." Furthermore, in 1991 Morgenthau mentioned in his book, “A great nation is not only seen from the strength of its military army or its numbers of warships nor its wealthy but, a great nation is seen from the character of the nation.” From their quotes, we can conclude that Indonesian children must receive character education so they can be a golden generation in 2045.

Indonesian people have a great hope for this generation to build a better Indonesia, but the reality shows that they have not seriously prepared this generation especially in their character. Some people concern and strive for their children character; however, some still mitigate it. Parents and teachers have a great responsibility to teach their children. At least, they should be a role model by demonstrating a good character. In addition, parents and teachers must know their children’s friends and activities. Friends and activities have great influence for their character, so it is important to alert them about the danger of bad influences. Furthermore, parents and teachers ought to give their children understanding the benefits of having good characters and how to apply in their daily life. A good character is an essential element for this generation to build a better Indonesia.
           We have great challenges and opportunities to build a better Indonesia. I know it is not easy but nothing is impossible with Christ and we can do everything through Christ which strengtheneth us. I hope together we can pray and seriously prepared this golden generation to build a better Indonesia in 2045. Thank you and God bless you