Mapping the national heroes in Indonesia to strengthen national identity in history learning

Abstract

Indonesia has many national heroes because every year, it keeps increasing. The large number represents tremendous potential as a role model for character education. However, the role of national heroes as models for character building is still not optimal. The main problem that occurs is that the national heroes are not yet known as a whole. Therefore, this paper aims to identify national heroes in Indonesia through mapping. Researchers used content analysis on the 2013 curriculum documents, including history textbooks. Besides, researchers also use documents about national heroes from the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The results of the study show that since 1959-2019, Indonesia has had 186 national heroes. Most of them came from Central Java, East Java, and Yogyakarta. Heroes have relevance as material in history lessons. The most popular heroes in the textbook are Pattimura, Diponegoro, Sukarno, Moh. Hatta, and Hamengkubuwono IX. In terms of quantity, not all heroes have been accommodated in learning. It is because the number of national heroes continues to increase every year. In terms of distribution, learning has adjusted heroes from various regions. It is beneficial for eroding primordialism and raising awareness that all areas contribute to Indonesia’s existence.