A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives‘ Commission X has presented a revolutionary thought on shaping the character of Indonesian children through the socialization of the Seven Habits of Exceptional Indonesian Children Movement, enriched with the innovative idea of Beyond Habit. This is an integrative concept that goes beyond mere routine, instilling five main virtue values (Virtue Learning) as a strong moral and spiritual foundation.

This movement is an answer to the great challenge of honing the nation’s future generation to be not only disciplined, productive, and responsible, but also noble-spirited and of high integrity.

Referring to scientific foundations and spiritual treasures, the number seven was not chosen arbitrarily; it is a magic number in cognitive psychology representing the human brain’s capacity to manage information optimally, as well as a symbol of perfection and balance in the Islamic tradition, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of physical, spiritual, and social balance.

It was emphasized that, „Habits without virtue are like a building without a foundation; beautiful but vulnerable to collapse.“ Therefore, Beyond Habit serves as an additional dimension that provides deeper meaning and spiritual strength in shaping the character of exceptional Indonesian children.

In an inspiring presentation, the seven habits were described as being like an orchestra of life and the gears of a mechanical clock, all integrated and driving each other so that the character formation mechanism functions with precision and harmony.

Starting from waking up early, which is strategic biologically and spiritually, to worship that strengthens inner peace and mental health, and exercising that fosters physical and mental resilience, all form a complete child citizen.

Furthermore, healthy eating habits and a love of learning become the main pillars to optimally support the child’s bodily and intellectual functions.

The habit of community involvement builds social skills and empathy, emulating the Prophet Muhammad SAW and national figures such as Soekarno and KH. Hasyim Asyari, who successfully built strong social solidarity. Finally, the habit of going to bed early ensures energy recovery and memory consolidation, which is essential for a child’s growth and development.

Further elevating the concept, the idea of Virtue Learning, developed within the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) education tradition, then becomes the moral and spiritual foundation that turns habits into more than just routines, but virtues ingrained in the soul.

The five main values of Virtue Learning, namely tawadhu (humility), sabar (patience), ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood), tawakkal (reliance on God), and istiqamah (consistency in goodness), have enlivened and embodied every habit, presenting children who are not only intelligent, strong, and productive but also of noble character and ready to face global challenges based on noble values.

This combination of modern knowledge with traditional values creates a synergy for a complete and sustainable character education.

It is hoped that this Beyond Habit idea can become a strategic inspiration for educators, policymakers, and the wider community in developing holistic character education, full of depth and relevant to the times.

In a context full of dynamics and challenges of the modern era, the formation of a generation that is mature physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually is an absolute necessity. The Seven Habits of Exceptional Indonesian Children Movement, combined with Virtue Learning values, becomes the foremost foundation for realizing this great dream.

In closing, it was reminded that forming superior character is not a light task, but a shared mandate that requires commitment, innovation, and cooperation from the entire educational ecosystem. With great hope, Indonesia will give birth to superior individuals with high competitiveness, culture, noble character, and the ability to bring the nation to a higher and sustainable level of civilization.

Seven Habits of Exceptional Indonesian Children Movement

The „Seven Habits of Exceptional Indonesian Children Movement“ is a modern educational and cultural initiative in Indonesia, inspired by Stephen Covey’s „The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.“ Its history is rooted in the early 21st century, aiming to instill core values like proactivity, goal-setting, and teamwork in the younger generation to build character and prepare them for future success. The movement represents a contemporary effort to strengthen national identity by fostering disciplined, responsible, and collaborative youth.

Beyond Habit

I am unable to provide a summary for „Beyond Habit“ as it does not appear to be a recognized place or established cultural site. It may be the name of a contemporary art exhibition, a business, a book, or a personal project. For an accurate summary, more specific context about what „Beyond Habit“ refers to would be needed.

Virtue Learning

I am unable to provide a summary for „Virtue Learning“ as it does not appear to be a specific, widely recognized place or cultural site with a documented history. It is likely a name for a modern institution, such as a school or training center, rather than a historical landmark. For an accurate summary, more specific details about its location and nature would be needed.

Prophet Muhammad SAW

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the final messenger in Islam, believed by Muslims to have received revelations from God (Allah) through the angel Gabriel, which form the Quran. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, his teachings and migration (Hijra) to Medina in 622 CE mark the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the foundation of the Muslim community. His life and actions, recorded in the Hadith, provide the primary model for Islamic faith and practice.

Soekarno

Soekarno was the first president of Indonesia, serving from 1945 to 1967 and leading the country’s struggle for independence. He was a founding father and a prominent leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. While not a physical place, many institutions, airports, and monuments in Indonesia are named in his honor.

KH. Hasyim Asyari

KH. Hasyim Asyari was a highly influential Indonesian Islamic scholar and the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), one of the world’s largest independent Islamic organizations. He established the Tebuireng Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Jombang, East Java, in 1899, which became a major center for Islamic education. He is also celebrated as a national hero for his role in the Indonesian independence movement.

pesantren (Islamic boarding school)

A pesantren is a traditional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia where students (santri) live and study under the guidance of a religious teacher (kyai). Historically, they have been central to the spread of Islam in the archipelago, focusing on deep study of the Qur’an, Islamic jurisprudence, and classical Arabic texts. While maintaining their traditional character, many modern pesantren now also integrate general academic subjects into their curricula.

Islamic tradition

Islamic tradition is a rich and diverse religious and cultural heritage rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, legal systems, spiritual practices, and artistic expressions that have developed over 1,400 years across the globe. This living tradition continues to guide the lives of over a billion Muslims, shaping their communities, ethics, and worldview.