An ideal Indonesian in an increasingly competitive world: Personal character and values required to realise a projected 2045 ‘Golden Indonesia’

Abstract

The goal of this article is to examine the way character education and multicultural values’ education can contribute to a perfect and transformed Indonesia by 2045. At this time (i.e. 2045), the Republic of Indonesia will be 100 years old. The presence of an ideal Indonesian will contribute to high national growth and development. This will depend on the understanding of multiculturalism and cooperative attitudes of the future Indonesian citizens. In such a situation, a variety of methods, media and instruments need to be prepared in order to achieve the country’s 2045 dream, among the various aspects which must be considered is character and multicultural values’ education. Both forms of education should not be limited to mere conceptualisation, but should lead to an understanding of personality traits in an Indonesian context and of course taking in consideration the globalisation aspect. Early research on contemporary and future Indonesia generates a clear overview of the Indonesian traits. Based on this, the present study investigates two groups comprising 100 respondents, divided into pessimistic and optimistic respondents. The pessimistic respondents are of the view that a competitive Indonesia will depend on today’s generation and their character. While, on the contrary, the optimistic respondents indicate that a competitive Indonesia is that which will be able to compete with other nations in this rapidly changing world. However, it is concluded that both groups are optimistic to the new birth of a great Indonesia, if good character and well-planned multicultural education is in place and of course well taught to students.