Implementing the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children through School Culture: A Case Study in Balikpapan

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation of the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children through school culture at an elementary school in Balikpapan. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. The participants consisted of one school principal and two classroom teachers selected through purposive sampling based on their involvement in the program. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, coding, categorization, thematic development, and interpretation. Data credibility was established through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that the Seven Habits were integrated into school culture through daily routines, religious activities, Rabu Ceria, teacher role modeling, project-based learning, social interaction, and school–parent communication. Participants perceived these practices as supporting students’ discipline, responsibility, religiosity, independence, creativity, and social awareness. School culture provided a contextual framework for reinforcing the habits through consistent and repeated practices, while teacher role modeling translated program values into students’ everyday experiences. Collaboration between schools and parents further supported the continuity of habituation between school and home. However, digital technology was identified as a contextual challenge in maintaining students’ habits. The study highlights that the implementation of the Seven Habits is sustained through the integration of habituation, role modeling, learning activities, and school–parent collaboration, providing a contextual foundation for students’ character development.