The Role of Non-Formal and Informal Education in National Character Education

Abstract

Education is at the forefront of efforts to build the nation's culture and character through four pillars, including 1) teaching and learning activities in the classroom, 2) daily activities in the form of school cultural development, 3) co-curricular or extracurricular activities, and 4) daily activities at home and in the community. An economic, social, and political crisis that strikes a nation will tend to overthrow the ruling political regime. Meanwhile, there is another, more dangerous crisis, that of the character of a nation. This is indicated by the weakening of national identity, national pride, and awareness of National Defense. Strength of character requires not only cultivation from the earliest years, in the family, school and society, but also constant improvement. Carelessness in character education can result in a nation's fragile condition in the face of globalization shown by the wave of global values. In this case, the potential role of non-formal and informal education in character education and nation building is clear because the boundaries of formal education can be eliminated.