The Growing Importance of Character Education Amid a Changing World of Work

As the world of work increasingly demands critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and leadership abilities, education is assessed to no longer be sufficient merely focusing on academic achievement. Schools are also required to be able to shape character and assist students in discovering their life’s purpose from an early age. Departing from this need, Pelita Harapan Group (PHG) announced the presence of Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) Depok, planned to begin operations in July 2027. Pelita Harapan Group President Dr. Stephanie Riady in Jakarta, Wednesday, stated that rapid global changes require the education sector to make adjustments to not only produce academically proficient graduates but also individuals capable of facing the increasingly complex challenges of life. “A person’s future success is determined not only by what they know but also by their character, their ability to collaborate with others, and their willingness to contribute to society,” said Stephanie. According to her, education has a strategic role in preparing a generation capable of facing technological developments, economic changes, and social challenges without losing the values that serve as life’s foundation. Stephanie assessed that more and more families are now seeking an education that develops the child as a whole, not merely chasing academic prestige. “We see a growing need for education that helps children recognise their potential, build character, develop leadership, while simultaneously preparing them to face a constantly changing world,” she stated. Pelita Harapan Group data indicates the institution currently serves more than 45,000 active students and university students through 71 schools across various regions in Indonesia and Pelita Harapan University. Executive Director of Sekolah Dian Harapan, Deny Kiswanto Sinaga, said the current educational challenge is not only ensuring children receive good access to learning but also ensuring they possess competencies relevant to future needs. According to him, technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, make technical abilities increasingly easy to replace. Conversely, skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communicating, collaborating, and leading are increasingly required. “Therefore, education must prepare students to become lifelong learners. The world will keep changing, but the ability to learn, adapt, and make the right decisions will always be needed,” he said. To address this need, SDH Depok will integrate strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with character formation, leadership development, and faith growth. This school will serve Kindergarten, Primary, Junior High, and Senior High School levels with a holistic educational approach that encourages balanced student development across intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, and leadership aspects. The Head of the Depok City Education Office, Wahid Suryono, welcomed the planned arrival of SDH Depok as part of efforts to strengthen the quality of education and human resources in Depok City. “The presence of an educational institution committed to developing the character and competence of students is a vital contribution in preparing a generation that is upright, competitive, and ready to face future challenges,” he stated. Pelita Harapan Group hopes the presence of SDH Depok can expand public access to education that is oriented not only towards academic achievement but also towards character and leadership formation as a provision to face an accelerating global change.