PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER BERBASIS TAT TWAM ASI DALAM MENUMBUHKAN SIKAP TOLERANSI ANAK

Abstract

Character education has currently become a central concern within the Indonesian education system. Character is widely regarded as having undergone considerable decline, caused by a range of factors including the massive use of technology, parenting practices, and the insufficient internalisation of religious philosophical values within the family. Consequently, the family, particularly parents as the foremost and primary setting for shaping a child's character, holds a central role in cultivating children of sound values and morals. This study aims to describe the concept of character education grounded in Tat Twam Asi, to analyse its impact on the growth of children's tolerance, and to identify the challenges that hinder its internalisation. The study employs a qualitative approach with a library research design. The data were analysed through content analysis consisting of reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, with source triangulation ensuring data validity. The findings reveal three points. First, Tat Twam Asi functions as both a tattwa and a susila foundation that positions the equal dignity of all beings as the starting point of character education, so that tolerance is not taught as a social rule but as a consequence of spiritual awareness. Second, character education grounded in Tat Twam Asi strengthens empathy, reduces bullying behaviour, and deepens children's relationship with the wider community, whereby they come to accept difference as the foundation of religious moderation. Third, its principal challenges include an unsupportive environment, the low digital literacy of children, and religious instruction that still stops at the cognitive domain. Synergy among family, school, and society is therefore required so that the value of Tat Twam Asi moves from mere memorisation into action.