A STUDY OF MORAL VALUES IN MODERN INDONESIAN POETRY AND ITS RELEVANCE FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims to examine the moral values contained in modern Indonesian poetry and to describe their relevance to character education. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach with library research and literature study methods. The data sources consisted of modern Indonesian poetry texts, scholarly books, journal articles, and relevant educational documents discussing moral values, literary learning, and character education. Data were collected through careful reading, note-taking, classification, and interpretation of textual elements that represent moral meanings. The analysis was carried out using descriptive-interpretative techniques by identifying moral values in poetic expressions and relating them to the principles of character education. The findings indicate that modern Indonesian poetry contains various moral values, including religiosity, honesty, responsibility, empathy, social concern, compassion, perseverance, courage, self-awareness, justice, and respect for others. These values are expressed through diction, imagery, symbols, metaphors, themes, and the emotional experiences of the poetic speaker. The study also reveals that poetry can function as a reflective medium that enables readers, especially students, to understand moral issues in a deeper and more personal way. In the context of education, modern Indonesian poetry is relevant for strengthening character education because it integrates cognitive, affective, aesthetic, and ethical dimensions. Poetry learning can encourage students to appreciate literary works while developing moral sensitivity, emotional maturity, and social awareness. Therefore, modern Indonesian poetry should not only be positioned as an object of literary appreciation, but also as a meaningful educational resource for character formation.