Reconstruction of Civic Education thought to Develop Life Skills and Character of Human Resources in the Creative Industry

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Civic Education Reform Linked to Stronger Creative Industry Workforce, Indonesian Study Finds. A 2026 study by Purnomo Ananto and Carissa Dwilanisusantya from State Polytechnic of Creative Media, Indonesia, highlights the urgent need to redesign civic education to better prepare human resources for the growing creative industry. Published in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, the research shows that integrating character education and life skills into civic education can significantly strengthen the competitiveness, ethics, and adaptability of graduates in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Education System Faces Structural Gap
The study identifies a persistent imbalance in Indonesia’s education system, where cognitive achievement is prioritized over character development and practical skills. This imbalance results in graduates who perform well academically but struggle to adapt to complex professional environments. Globally, education systems are shifting toward competency-based models that combine knowledge, skills, and values. However, the research by Purnomo Ananto and Carissa Dwilanisusantya shows that this transformation remains incomplete in Indonesia, particularly in civic education. Civic education, traditionally focused on teaching national identity and citizenship values, has not fully evolved to address modern workforce needs. This gap is especially critical in the creative industry, where innovation, collaboration, and ethical decision-making are essential.

How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design to explore real-life experiences of participants. The study was conducted at a university in Bandung, involving:

• 6 lecturers.
• 9 undergraduate students.
• 3 creative industry practitioners.

Data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and analysis of curriculum documents. The researchers then analyzed the data using an interactive model that identifies patterns, themes, and relationships. This approach allowed Purnomo Ananto and Carissa Dwilanisusantya to capture how civic education is actually implemented and perceived in higher education settings connected to the creative industry.

Key Findings: Three Critical Gaps
The study identifies several major issues that limit the effectiveness of civic education in developing industry-ready graduates:

• Overemphasis on Theory. Teaching methods remain largely lecture-based and theoretical. Students receive limited opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world or creative contexts.
• Misunderstanding of Life Skills. Life skills are often reduced to technical abilities. In reality, they include critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills essential for the creative economy.
• Weak Integration of Character Education. Values such as integrity, responsibility, and professionalism are taught conceptually but are not embedded in practical learning experiences.
• Disconnect with Creative Industry Needs. Civic education is rarely linked to entrepreneurship, innovation, or industry practices, making it less relevant to students preparing for creative careers.

The study finds that these gaps contribute to limited graduate competitiveness and hinder the development of a strong merit-based system in Indonesia.

Real-World Impact and Policy Implications

The findings have significant implications for education systems, policymakers, and the creative industry:

• For universities: Higher education institutions are encouraged to redesign civic education curricula to include experiential learning, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
• For policymakers: Education policies should support competency-based learning that integrates character and life skills, helping to strengthen meritocracy and reduce structural inefficiencies.
• For the creative industry: Closer collaboration with universities can ensure that graduates meet industry expectations and contribute to innovation-driven growth.

The study also highlights that the weakness of merit-based systems in Indonesia is closely linked to educational shortcomings. Without reform, efforts to improve governance and workforce quality may remain ineffective.

Author Profile

Purnomo Ananto, M.Pd. is a lecturer and researcher at State Polytechnic of Creative Media, Indonesia. His expertise includes civic education, human resource development, and creative industry studies.

Carissa Dwilanisusantya, M.Pd. is an academic at State Polytechnic of Creative Media with research interests in character education, curriculum development, and 21st-century skills.

Source
Ananto, Purnomo & Dwilanisusantya, Carissa. (2026). Reconstruction of Civic Education Thought to Develop Life Skills and Character of Human Resources in the Creative Industry. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 933–948.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i3.36
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas