Abstract:

For decades, politicians have been debating over different ideas for education reform for Indonesian education. The idea of full-day school (FDS) might fit in the traditional schooling practices in Indonesia which can add the burden for teachers and students. The purpose of this study was to analyzed FDS policy in Indonesia for children’s character building. The character of a nation is an important aspect that affects the socio-economic development. High quality character of the community will surely grow a strong desire to improve the quality of the nation. The key to successful success of a country is determined by the extent to which the public has the character that is conducive to advancing the so-called "social capital". Based on analysis result, FDS system is beneficial to improve students’ academic and non-academic aspects, including character. Character cultivation in students was performed integratedly in intracurricular, cocurricular, and extracurricular activities. Students’ character can be improved in FDS application because it increased children’s social interaction and getting them use to positive activities. The students also received had teachers and teaching staffs as their role model.

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