MENGGALI HAKIKAT PENDIDIKAN KEWARGANEGARAAN: FONDASI UTAMA PEMBANGUNAN KARAKTER BANGSA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The development of globalization and digitalization has brought significant changes to the mindset, behavior, and national values of the younger generation. On the other hand, studies on Civic Education (Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan/PKn) have largely focused on conceptual aspects of learning, while discussions regarding the essence of Civic Education as the primary foundation for national character building in the digital era remain limited. This issue is important to examine considering the decline of nationalism, the strong influence of foreign cultures, and digital literacy challenges that potentially affect the identity of younger generations. This study aims to explore the essence of Civic Education as the main foundation for national character development and its relevance to the needs of Generation Z. The research employed a qualitative approach using a library research method. Data were collected from scientific journals, books, and relevant academic documents, then analyzed using content analysis techniques. The findings indicate that Civic Education functions not only as a medium for transferring civic knowledge but also as a means of internalizing moral values, democracy, social responsibility, patriotism, and strengthening national identity. Innovative, contextual, and technology-based Civic Education learning has also been proven to enhance student engagement. Therefore, Civic Education remains an essential foundation in shaping a generation that is characterized, critical, possesses integrity, and is capable of maintaining national values amid global developments.

ABSTRAK

Perkembangan globalisasi dan digitalisasi membawa perubahan terhadap pola pikir, perilaku, serta nilai kebangsaan generasi muda. Di sisi lain, kajian mengenai Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan (PKn) masih banyak berfokus pada aspek konseptual pembelajaran, sementara pembahasan tentang hakikat PKn sebagai fondasi utama pembentukan karakter bangsa di era digital belum dikaji secara mendalam. Kondisi ini penting diteliti mengingat menurunnya nasionalisme, kuatnya pengaruh budaya asing, serta tantangan literasi digital yang berpotensi memengaruhi identitas generasi muda. Penelitian ini bertujuan menggali hakikat Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan sebagai landasan utama pembentukan karakter bangsa dan relevansinya terhadap kebutuhan generasi Z. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kepustakaan (library research). Data diperoleh dari jurnal ilmiah, buku, dan dokumen akademik yang relevan, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis isi (content analysis). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa PKn tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai media transfer pengetahuan kewarganegaraan, tetapi juga berperan dalam internalisasi nilai moral, demokrasi, tanggung jawab sosial, cinta tanah air, serta penguatan identitas nasional. Pembelajaran PKn yang inovatif, kontekstual, dan berbasis teknologi terbukti meningkatkan keterlibatan peserta didik. Dengan demikian, PKn tetap menjadi fondasi penting dalam membentuk generasi yang berkarakter, kritis, berintegritas, dan mampu mempertahankan nilai kebangsaan di tengah perkembangan global.