Spiritual Incubator and Social Laboratory: A Comparative Study of Character Education Ecosystems in Islamic and State Primary Schools
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Character education is a fundamental mandate of Indonesia’s primary education system, implemented through two main pathways: Islamic primary schools (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah/MI) and state primary schools (Sekolah Dasar/SD). This study aims to comparatively analyze the character-building models in MI Nurul Ulum Mertak Tombok and SDN Mertak Umbak, focusing on differences in philosophy, practice, and outcomes. Using a qualitative approach with a comparative case study design, data were collected from 12 key informants through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, and analyzed using Miles & Huberman’s interactive model. Findings indicate that MI functions as a “spiritual incubator” applying an immersive-holistic model that shapes vertical-religious character through religious value integration, ritual habituation, and teacher role modeling. Conversely, SD operates as a “social laboratory” employing an experiential-constructivist model under the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) framework, fostering horizontal-social character such as collaboration and critical thinking. MI’s primary challenge is translating religious values into broader civic contexts, while SD’s challenge lies in deepening the moral foundation of its civic skills. The results affirm the complementary nature of both models and the importance of integration to produce graduates who are both spiritually devout and socially competent
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