Strengthening Nationalism, Mutual Assistance and Integrity Through Service Learning in Indonesia

Abstract

Strengthening Nationalism, Mutual Assistance and Integrity Through Service Learning in Indonesia

Obby Taufik Hidayat,* Bambang Sumardjoko,** Patmisari,**Rohima Hidayati,** Zuhroh Wafa,** & John Gyunyeol Park***

Abstract: In this era of disruption, many countries are thinking about how to form citizens who are not only intelligent, but also have a set of characters that can contribute to their country. However, the character education approach currently implemented for the younger generation remains suboptimal, even in Indonesia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the innovative learning approach through a service learning approach, which is considered to be an innovative way of strengthening loyal characters to the nation. The data for this study were obtained through semi-structured interviews and observations with five students in the teachers college to gain insight into their perceptions and experiences in the service learning program. The data were then manually reduced and analyzed, and triangulated to ensure accuracy. This article shows that service learning can strengthen the character of nationalism, mutual assistance, and integrity through the aspect of reflection and empowerment in this program. The implications of this study are beneficial for forming students as prospective national leaders who are expected to have a better impact on their homeland. This research can help the policy makers in higher education to create an effective curriculum model for citizenship education, particularly regarding the experiential learning approach in society, which prepares the young people to possess the character of good citizens for their nations.

Key Words: Integrity, Nationalism, Character Education, Mutual Assistance, Service Learning

□ Received: Oct. 10, 2025, Revised: Oct. 26, 2025, Accepted: Oct. 28, 2025＊ First Author, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia** Co-author, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia*** Corresponding Author, Professor, Gyeongsang National University, Email: pgy556@gnu.kr