Implementing Character Education through the Pancasila Student Profile Project: A Study in Upper Primary Schools

Abstract

The implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) constitutes a central component of the Merdeka Curriculum, particularly in promoting character development through project-based learning aligned with Pancasila values. This study aims to comprehensively examine the implementation of P5 within the Merdeka Curriculum at the upper elementary school level, specifically Grades IV, V, and VI. A library research method was employed by reviewing relevant scholarly and policy sources, including educational journal articles, textbooks, government policies, and official documents concerning P5 implementation. The findings indicate that P5 implementation supports the development of the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile, namely faith in and devotion to God Almighty and noble character, global diversity, cooperation, independence, critical thinking, and creativity. At the upper elementary level, students are able to participate actively in contextual projects connected to real-life situations, thereby strengthening the practical application of these dimensions. However, implementation is constrained by several challenges, including varying levels of teacher readiness, limited infrastructure, and insufficient parental understanding of the project-based approach. The study concludes that effective P5 implementation requires sustained educator capacity building and stronger collaboration among schools, families, and communities. These findings contribute to the literature on character education and curriculum implementation by highlighting both the potential of P5 to strengthen Pancasila-oriented competencies and the institutional conditions required for its effective implementation in upper elementary education.