KAJIAN PEMIKIRAN KI HAJAR DEWANTARA TENTANG PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI

Abstract

Early Childhood Education (ECE) serves as the fundamental foundation for developing children's character, intelligence, and personality. One of Indonesia's prominent educational figures who made significant contributions to the concept of early childhood education is Ki Hajar Dewantara. This study aims to examine Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy regarding early childhood education and its relevance to the current implementation of ECE in Indonesia. The research employed a library research method using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected from Ki Hajar Dewantara's original works, books, scholarly journals, and other relevant documents related to early childhood education. The findings reveal that Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy is grounded in the principles of freedom in learning, the Among system, the principles of natural and contextual development (kodrat alam and kodrat zaman), and the holistic development of children's intellect (cipta), emotion (rasa), and will (karsa). According to Ki Hajar Dewantara, early childhood education should be conducted in a joyful, child-centered learning environment that respects children's natural development while involving families, schools, and communities through the concept of the Three Centers of Education (Tri Pusat Pendidikan). These educational principles remain highly relevant to the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and learner-centered educational practices in Indonesia, while also addressing the challenges of education in an increasingly dynamic era of globalization.