Character Education Based On Religious Values: The Case of Elementary Schools in Palu, Indonesia

The aim of this study is to find out the effectiveness of character education implementation through an extra time religion learning program at elementary schools in Palu city, Indonesia. This study used a qualitative case study approach. There were fifteen government elementary schools in Palu city, Indonesia was involved. Data were gathered through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with the school principals and religious teachers. In addition, written documents related to religious subjects were also analyzed to get insights describing the teaching and learning process. The results show that education character has successfully been implemented through the extra religion time teaching program. In addition, students from different religious backgrounds increased their religiosity and awareness of the importance of living in harmony in a religious and culturally diverse environment.