untitled


EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

39

Dr. Hj. Siti Maryam is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of  Indonesian Language Education, 
Faculty of  Education and Teacher Training UNSUR (University of  Suryakancana) in Cianjur, West 
Java, Indonesia. She can be reached at: yams1964@yahoo.com

Strengthening the Character: 
Uphold Ethics in Indonesian 

Language Study Pass by 
Supplementary Books

Siti Maryam

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, characters reinforcement matter has been taken into account for the sake 
of  the nation. We can learn from other countries that succeed in managing education; so that the 
integration of  character education in our country, Indonesia, must be conducted. For that objective, 
the writer assumes that supplementary books are facility usable for teacher of  Indonesian language 
and literature subject to be exploited. Meanwhile, the effort of  Indonesian language study teachers 
in strengthening student character and upholding ethics is one of  effort in improving human 
resource quality. This effort is very essential, considering the quality of  Indonesian citizen is still 
unsatisfying. Through speaking and writing skills, teacher can evaluate the use of  language ethics 
among students, both directly and indirectly. This article aims to present a study of  optimizing 
language learning to form students’ character and ethics. By combining creativity, character, and 
ethics to Indonesian language and literature learning, the writer optimizes also implicitly the role 
and function of  Indonesian language and literature learning in accordance to its target, among 
others for character and students language ethics reinforcement. So, students as the next generation 
should be prepared to socialize and live properly. Therefore, Indonesian language and literature 
learning should optimize the students’ role through supplementary books.
KEY WORDS: Character education, teaching and learning process, supplementary books, 
Indonesian language, and students as the next generation.

Introduction

Change and growth toward positive is everybody’s expectation. Nowadays, 
characters reinforcement matter has been taken into account for the sake of  the 
nation. We can learn from other countries that succeed in managing education. 
General study held on Friday in January 27, 2012, at the Pakuan University in Bogor, 
West Java, Indonesia revealed that ethics implementation has made New Zealand 
as the best education organizer in the world. Besides, we also must anticipate ten life 
phenomenon posed by Thomas Lickona, namely: (1) the increasing of  violence at 
adolescent; (2) the use of  harsh words; (3) strong peer group influence in conducting 
violence; (4) the increasing of  drug abuse, alcohol, and free sex; (5) the fade of  
moral value; (6) the decreasing of  working ethos; (7) less respect to parents and 



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

40

teacher; (8) less responsibility as individual and citizen; (9) dishonesty; and (10) 
suspicious and hate among people (cited by Syihabuddin, 2009).

The effort surely has to be comprehensive, not merely among academic society 
but also public society must participate actively. Moral degradation aspect must 
be considered in every activity. The effect of  any activity should be beneficial 
for societies. It is relevant, if  these days discussion about character education is 
frequently increasing compared to the past time. That discussion is based on desire 
for always upgrading life quality through education. 

Number of  research results express moral degradation; among others Cucu 
Lisnawati (2004) stated that students’ or adolescents’ behavior and conduct at this 
time is very worrying, a student now behaves not as a student should be. They tend 
to communicate in harsh language. They also behave impolitely to their parents 
and teachers. It is influenced by less moral value education they get from their 
surroundings. Then, Dedi Mulyasana (2007) research result showed that children 
behavior is affected by: (1) peer and sibling with their environment; and (2) parents 
ignorant because of  their work load.

Certainly, those facts should be handled by many parties, including Indonesian 
language and literature teachers. It is true, up to now there is no special subject as 
such character education as expressed by the Head of  National Curriculum Center 
in Jakarta that government, starting at 2010, will include cultural education and 
nation character through curriculum reinforcement from elementary level until 
university level as part of  national education system reinforcement, and will not add 
distinctive subject for cultural education and nation character but merely reinforcing 
each subject which considered weak (http://m.berita8.com, 13/1/2010).

Important question to be raised is why character education must be related to 
Indonesian language and literature study base supplement books? Can student 
character be repaired by supplementary books at Indonesian language and literature 
study? If  it is possible, in what way it is implemented?

Based on the previous question, then, integration of  character education must be 
conducted. For that objective, the writer assumes that supplementary books are facility 
usable for teacher of  Indonesian language and literature subject to be exploited.

On the Character Education

National education vision is realizing Indonesia citizens who are peace defenders, 
democratic, competitive, developed, secure, and prosperous Indonesian society in 
the form of  Republic of  Indonesia that supported by healthy, independent, religious, 
noble, patriotic, obey the law, environmental oriented,  science and technology 
savvy, and hard working (Depdiknas RI, 2005:6).

Besides those visions, we can also learn the value within the Law of  National 
Education System or UUSPN (Undang-Undang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional), 
especially number 2/1989, section 4, containing national education target which 
is to brighten the nation life and to develop Indonesia humans, who obey and 



EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

41

believe in God the Almighty and are kind hearted, knowledgeable and skillful, 
healthy, independent and socially responsible, and have high sense of  nationality 
(Depdikbud RI, 1990). 

Afterward, in order to implement Law Number 20/2003 on National Education 
System, government releases the Government Regulation or PP (Peraturan 
Pemerintah) number 19/2005. Section 4 from PP referred as Standard of  National 
Education or SNP (Standar Nasional Pendidikan) in order to guarantee national 
education quality to brighten nation life and to form character and prestigious nation 
civilization (Depdiknas RI, 2006). Indonesia follows holistic education, or education 
that aims to give chance to the students to develop themselves intellectually and 
facilitate their soul and body growth as a whole to create Indonesia citizens with 
strong character that can elevate the nation pride (http://www.character.org/key-
topics/what-is-character-education, 13/1/2010). 

To realize it, many parties must participate. Further, in order to be effective, 
character education must involve everyone, because basically education cannot 
stand alone. Education is influenced by other strengths; it needs support from 
family, society, social organization, political policy, economy strength, and others. 
It must be integrated into the curriculum as well as school character. When school 
communities unite in developing character, schools will gain amazing results.

Character education is the intentional effort to develop good character among 
young people. As stated by Thomas Lickona, Eric Schaps and Catherine Lewis 
(2010) that “When we think about the kind of  character we want for our children, it’s clear 
that we want them to be able to judge what is right, care deeply about what is right, and to 
do what they believe is right”. The following eleven principles serve as criteria that 
schools and other groups can use to plan a character education effort and to evaluate 
available character education programs, books, and curriculum resources. 

First, character education promotes core ethical values as the basis of  good 
character. Character education holds, as a starting philosophical principle, that 
there are widely shared, pivotally important core ethical values – such as caring, 
honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect for self  and others – that form the 
basis of  good character. 

Second, character must be comprehensively defined to include thinking, feeling, 
and behavior. In an effective character education program, character is broadly 
conceived to encompass the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of  the 
moral life. Good character consists of  understanding, caring about, and acting 
upon core ethical values.

Third, effective character education requires an intentional proactive and 
comprehensive approach that promotes the core values in all phases of  school 
life. Schools committed to character education look at themselves through a moral 
lens and see how virtually everything that goes on in school affects the values and 
character of  students. An intentional and proactive approach plans deliberate ways 
to develop character, rather than simply waiting for opportunities to occur.

Fourth, the school must be a caring community. The school itself  must embody 



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

42

good character. It must progress toward becoming a microcosm of  the civil, caring, 
and just society we seek to create as a nation. The school can do this by becoming 
a moral community that helps students form caring attachments to adults and to 
each other. These caring relationships will foster both the desire to learn and the 
desire to be a good person. All children and adolescents have a need to belong, 
and they are more likely to internalize the values and expectations of  groups that 
meet this need.

Fifth, to develop character, students need opportunities for moral action. In the 
ethical as in the intellectual domain, students are constructive learners; they learn 
best by doing. To develop good character, they need many and varied opportunities 
to apply values such as responsibility and fairness in everyday interactions and 
discussions.

Sixth, effective character education includes a meaningful and challenging 
academic curriculum that respects all learners and helps them succeed. Character 
education and academic learning must not be conceived as separate spheres; rather 
there must be a strong, mutually supportive relationship. In a caring classroom and 
school where students feel liked and respected by their teachers and fellow students, 
students are more likely to work hard and achieve.

Seventh, character education should strive to develop students’ intrinsic 
motivation. As students develop good character, they develop a stronger inner 
commitment to doing what their moral judgment tells them is right. Schools, 
especially in their approach to discipline, should strive to develop this intrinsic 
commitment to core values.

Eighth, the school staff  must become the learning and moral community in 
which all share responsibility for character education and attempt to adhere to the 
same core values that guide the education of  students. Three things need attention 
here: (1) all school staff  – teachers, administrators, counselors, coaches, secretaries, 
cafeteria workers, playground aides, bus drivers – must be involved in learning 
about, discussion and taking ownership of  the character education effort; (2) the 
same values and norms that govern the life of  students must govern the collective 
life of  the adult members of  the school community; and (3) the school must find 
and protect time for staff  reflection on moral matters.

Ninth, character education requires moral leadership from both staff  and 
students. For character education to meet the criteria outlined thus far, there must 
be leaders (a principal, another administrator, a lead teachers) who champion 
the effort and, at least initially, a character education committee (or several such 
support groups, each focused on a particular aspect of  the character effort) with 
responsibility for long-range planning and program implementation.

Tenth, the school must recruit parents and community members as full partners 
in the character-building effort. A school’s character education mission statement 
should state explicitly what is true: Parents are the first and most important moral 
educators of  their children. Next, the school should take pains at every www 
to communicate with parents about the school’s goals and activities regarding 



EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

43

character development – and how families can help.
Eleventh, evaluation of  character education should assess the character of  the 

school, the school staff ’s functioning as character educators, and the extent to 
which students manifest good character. Schools can also assess the three domains 
of  character (knowing, feeling, and behaving) through anonymous questionnaires 
that measure student moral judgment (for example, “Is cheating on a test wrong?”); 
moral commitment (for example, “Would you cheat if  you were sure you wouldn’t get 
caught?”); and self-reported moral behavior (for example, “How many times have you 
cheated on a test or major assignment in the past year?”). Such questionnaires can be 
administrated at the beginning of  a school’s character initiative to get a baseline 
and again at later points to assess progress (Lickona, Schaps & Lewis, 2010).  

On the Character Building and Language Education

Therefore, content standard that exists in curriculum is expected to have a positive 
effect, not only on student life, but also teacher, parents, school, and nation. 
Indonesian language and literature subject intrinsically aims to enable students to: 
(1) Communicate effectively and efficiently in accordance with applicable ethics 
both orally and literally; (2) Respect and proud to uses Indonesian language as 
the unified and nation language; (3) Comprehend Indonesian language and use 
it correctly and creative for various objectives; (4) Use Indonesian language to 
improve intellectual ability, as well as emotional and social maturity; (5) Enjoy 
and exploit literary work to extend knowledge, to refine ethical conduct, and to 
improve language knowledge and ability; and (6) Respect and proud to Indonesia 
literature as part of  Indonesian cultural and intellectual richness (Maryam, 2003; 
and Sauri, 2006). 

Description above directs education activity to be cornered to the improvement 
of  national prestige quality. It is clearly stated, but the clarity cannot guarantee 
the success of  the practice. Dorothy Strickland and Donna Alvermann (2004) 
confirm that all students or human can learn. That statement can be made to 
motivate teachers to educate students at school, so that they can be formed to be 
the national asset in improving,  extending knowledge, wisdom, excellence, skill, 
personality, and independence. Therefore, at the end it might create educated and 
highly qualified nation.  

Idra Djati Sidi (2001) explains that future school is not merely processing 
linguistics intelligence and logical-mathematic, but it must include lesson that 
can develop personality as a whole. This statement demands the teachers to hold 
learning process that makes the students learns; how to learn through various 
sources to get complete competence in knowledge and technology, religion, 
personality, and at the end it will form the students’ characters.

Characters as part of  culture, slivers it’s bearing with values, like: truth, sincerity, 
and justice. It’s clear that ethics as a value is a matter of  having an important, and 
ideal meaning in human life. It is in line with Dahlan who affirms that words that 



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

44

glide from someone tongue is his heart content (cited by Sauri, 2006). Discussion 
content empirically can be recognized as existence of  saying word in high, usual, 
low, and skin-deep quality. 

Language with high quality and high contain will process good person who is 
comprised with idea, solution, science/knowledge, and recitation that realized in 
standard, good, beautiful and correct language. Language with high quality usually 
comprises expression which is situational, and be based on speaker experience. 
Language with skin-deep quality more presents itself  arrogance, itself  greatness, 
and speaker egoism (Maryam, 2006). 

From explanation above, it shows that ethics is related not only to ethics itself  
but also to values. Based on his research result, Sofyan Sauri (2006) expresses that 
principle and meaning have the decent language that are derived from Al-Qur’an 
(holy book of  Islam), namely sadida such as gentle, clear, downright, precise, fair, 
and good; ma’rufa such as polite, fine, beautiful, correctness, please, appreciation, 
and standard; baligha such as correctness, communicative, get an impression, and 
touch liver; maysyuro such as easy, soften, fine, nice, and optimism; layyina such 
as gentle, touch liver, and good; and karima such as glorifying, respect, exalting, 
and appreciation.

Ethics is attitude of  speaker to respect his talking partner that is being realized 
in polite utterance. Respect is ability for implementing our value to others. Its 
materialization needs emotion, cognate, and social maturity. The students need to 
know how to learn from various sources indicate that education is a process. Good 
education only can be obtained through good process. For getting the good student 
character, it requires learning process that involves students in education activity. 
It is in accordance to John Dewey (2002) that affirms that three basic factors that 
determine education goals are students, problem matter, and society. 

The importance of  students to learn to adapt to changing that happened in 
society is based on the essence of  learning process that aims at forming students’ 
behavior to be in line with social norm and conduct. Therefore, students must learn 
social values and culture that have been planted in society (enculturation) and also 
new values (acculturation) so that they can anticipate the future.

We need to know the definition of  character first, before knowing the real 
meaning of  character education. Anton M. Moeliono et al. (1988:389) explain 
that “character” is psychological characteristics, character or ethic of  conduct 
that differentiate one with another, personality, noble character; have personality. 
Human values usually relate to: (1) God, (2) Human himself, (3) People, (4) 
Environment, and (5) Nation.

Character education is being synergized with Indonesian language and literature 
study based on supplementary books in purposively. “Supplementary books” are 
compiled based on a number of  requirements including high values such as the 
truth, kindness, beauty, interest, faith, religion, dignity, justice, patience, toughness, 
sincerity, and benefaction. In other hand, supplementary books must be compiled 
in accordance to Indonesian context.



EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

45

Indonesian context means that books content supports the Constitution or 
UUD (Undang-Undang Dasar) 1945, sections 32/1 which states that government 
should encourage Indonesia national culture in the middle of  world civilization 
by guarantee the society freedom in maintaining and developing its cultural values 
(Setneg RI, 2000). Through Indonesia context, students are directed to grow their 
horizon, professional, and superior, futuristic, have self  confidence and pride, so 
that they can be the role model as it is dreamt by society and the nation. 

By concerning how huge the national education burden is, as teacher of  
Indonesian language of  study, we must take role in influencing and coloring our 
students’ life. As the process of  character forming, character education can be 
interpreted as a systematic and systemic activity in building good character. It is 
called systematic because education process takes place through continuous stages. 
It is also called systemic because takes place in all condition, in environment that 
fills each other (house environment, school, and society). At school, teacher must 
bring students to a better life – having perfect ability and awareness to their social 
relation and task. Students’ success to play a part in their social environment is 
basically their education success as process of  preparing good citizen.  

On the Supplementary Books

For getting an understating about supplementary books, we should cite the textbook 
definition beforehand. It is needed because supplementary books are part of  
non-text resource. By differentiating between textbook and non-textbook, we are 
expected to be able to differentiate also the referred books role and function. Henry 
Guntur Tarigan defines completely textbook definition as follows:

Textbook is school book in a certain study that is standard, and arranged for instructional 
objectives, equipped with compatible instruction mediums, and easy to understand by its users 
at schools and college, so it can support the instruction program (Tarigan, 1986). 

Further, Henry Guntur Tarigan (1986) cited the definition from Lange that 
states that textbook is standard book of  special study consists of  two types which 
are main course books and supplementary course book. Main course book refers 
to textbook and supplementary course book refers to supplementary books.

In brief, non-text course book is supplementary books function to enrich certain 
subjects. Certain words in detail can refer to field of  study taught at schools. In 
general, it refers to various areas of  science studies such as literature, art, and culture. 
Hence, it can be assumed that “non-text book” is book that can be informational 
about science, technology, literature, and culture deeply and widely (Depdiknas 
RI, 2009). In addition, it is not used as subject. The differences between the two 
can be seen completely at the following tables.



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

46

Table 1:
Differences between Text Book and Supplementary Books

No Characteristic Text Books Supplementary Books
1.  Target.  Consist of  written material

 that should be comprehended
 by student in the unit of
education.

 Add knowledge to students and
teacher in the unit of  education.

2.  Function in unit of
education.

Main source.  Not as the main source, just a
complement.

3.  Position in unit of
education.

Obligatory.  Not as the main source, just a
supporting.

4.  Need of  supporting
tool/assistant.

High. Not high.

5. Writing reference. Bounded by curriculum. Unattached to curriculum (scien-
 tific discipline, life need, progress
or era growth, life experience).

6. Teacher help.  Obligatory. Not is obligatory.

7. Book anatomy.  Always consists of  subject
 matter, discussion, practice,
and evaluation completely.

--

8. User. Student dominant. Not student dominantly.

9. Usage place. Dominantly in class/school.  Not dominantly in class/school
 (house, waiting room, public
hall, etc).

(Source: Depdiknas RI, 2011)

Table above informs that supplementary books as one of  non-text books offer 
some advantages compared to textbooks; supplementary books can be read all 
the times, in any place, and for various targets. If  students have had no awareness 
to read supplementary books, it is better for teachers to integrate its use in the 
learning process. The rigor explanation above is to give an understanding about 
the difference between textbooks and supplementary books. As for what included 
into supplementary non-text books are reference books and teacher guide-books. 
Afterward, the discussion will be focused on supplementary books. 

Minister of  Education regulation number 2 years 2008 explains that 
supplementary book is books that contain material that enrich elementary, 
secondary, and tertiary education (Depdiknas RI, 2009). Supplementary books can 
be grouped into three types those are knowledge enrichment, skill enrichment, and 
personality enrichment books. To know the role and function of  the three of  types 
of  supplementary books are referred, in successively discussed one per one.

First, Knowledge Enrichment Book. These days, formal education uses 
curriculum at unit of  education level or KTSP (Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan 
Pendidikan). The curriculum implementation demands the teachers to compile and 
present subject matter by themselves. It is not so easy though. There are number of  
teachers who are not yet ready to do it. It is true that textbook has been available. 
However, to fulfill demand of  KTSP, it is necessary to provide more books. That 



EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

47

needs actually gives opportunity for teacher to develop supplementary books. Many 
teachers only rely on the existing textbooks, though the use of  those books has 
not yet fulfilled student need and curriculum demand. It means that the learning 
process has not yet matched with what is expected. Textbook that is used has not 
yet fulfilled the needs of  current and future education. Therefore, supplementary 
books are needed to broaden the students’ knowledge and horizon. 

The breadth of  insight can stimulate human brain to think. Human brain has 
the extraordinary power. Many spectacular events are the results of  human thinking 
(Suwirta, 2005). That greatness does not occur by itself, it must be stimulated, 
conditioned, and processed correctly; and directed to think positively. Hernowo 
(2002) explicates that human with his brain can jump and make amazing leaps. 
There is a passion to produce meaningful ideas. 

To realize it, the conducive learning should be created. It is expected to lead 
the students to have willingness and ability to read supplementary books. This 
effort can be considered as literary development. However, it is still insignificant 
as showed by research result of  Centre for National Assessment in 2003 (cited in 
Maryam, 2006). Further, it also requires efforts to develop healthy school.

Second, Personality Enrichment. Indonesian socio-culture puts emphasize on 
language politeness. Indonesian society still maintains East cultural features. Then, 
supplementary book must direct its reader to have good conduct. In consequence, 
the usage of  its language must refer to the previous target. Consequently, the diction 
also must consider politeness.

Politeness equals to manner or etiquette. According to W.S. Hasanuddin (2009), 
politeness is a matter that includes conscious to others prestige. The implementation 
is in form of  accepted procedures, traditions, or habits in a civilized society. 
Politeness is rule of  conduct that has been specified and agreed on together by a 
certain society. Therefore, politeness becomes a requirement that is agreed on in 
social behavior.

Politeness can be seen from various facets: (1) it shows attitude that contain 
manner value or etiquette in everyday interaction; (2) politeness is very contextual, 
it is only applicable in a certain society, place, and situation, but it might not be 
applicable in other society, place, and situation; and (3) politeness is always bipolar, 
or has two polarity relationship, like the relationship between children and parents, 
the young and the younger one, and readers and writers. Politeness is reflected in 
the way of  communicating, acting, and behaving.

Language politeness, according to S.C. Levinson (1985), at least can be 
conducted within five ways: (1) it is necessary to apply politeness in language use. 
This principle tries to maximize enjoy and wisdom, advantage, respect or put other 
benefit beyond everything, less respect to one self, and emphasize on empathy to 
others; (2) language politeness should avoid taboo words in communicating; (3) 
the use of  euphemism in order to maintain language politeness; (4) politeness can 
be reached by using honorific words, which is expression to show respect and soft 
utterance; and (5) politeness can be formed by applying appropriate non-linguistics 



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

48

aspect. By applying this language politeness, offensiveness can be avoided until the 
conflict in society can be minimized. 

To maximize the use of  personality enrichment books, teachers’ willingness to 
select supplementary books that have criteria above until students get the meaningful 
learning from the books.

Third, Skill Enrichment. These days, life is getting more competitive in various 
areas. Skill of  all nation elements must be optimized. Considering graduates of  
higher education cannot get the job indirectly. Data indicates that huge numbers 
of  graduates wait for job formation with slight possibility to be accepted. While in 
other side, the demand of  working force is very high. Till now, there is no link and 
match between academics content and expectation of  user as the consumer. As the 
consequence, in the future it is necessary to prepare skillful generation.  

New paradigm must be developed by education, including supplementary 
books for building life skill and entrepreneurship in addition to professionalism. 
For Indonesian language study, for example, skills and professionalism that can 
be developed are in areas like: tour guide, master of  ceremony, priest, holy Qur’an 
reciter, religious speaker, consultant, instructor, authors, editor, poet, novelist, short 
story writers, dramatist, broadcaster, journalist, and many others.  

The forming of  those professions needs supplementary books that can answer 
challenge from the future. Professional ability must be prepared so that Indonesia 
will have the ability to create independent job market.  From the three of  type of  
supplementary books above, book of  personality enrichment is the most important 
to be developed for character building and reinforcing students’ ethics. Both types 
of  other supplement books even also can play a part in Indonesian language and 
literature study, but for the cognitive and psychomotor purpose. 

Application of  character education in Indonesian language and literature in 
supplementary books is relevant to Rule of  National Education Minister Number 
2/2008. Section 6 verses (2) sounds that “Besides course textbook as referred to verse (1) 
teacher can use educator guide-books and can use supplementary books and reference book 
in the learning process” (Depdiknas RI, 2009).

It is referred that classroom activity can use various sources. Ideally, book 
variation would give wide opportunity to see world. If  the use of  knowledge 
enrichment books in school is optimized, then student will be able to follows the 
progress of  communication science and technology these days. 

Utilization of  personality supplementary books in literature study is very 
possible. Research result of  Siti Maryam (2003) proved that short story as one 
of  cultural product can be made as medium or material to teach social value and 
culture. Supplementary books can be made as medium of  truth conveyor. In the 
old Indonesian society, literature becomes inseparable part of  everyday life. Ajip 
Rosidi (1995) affirmed that poets were placed in high position. Their words were 
more valuable than pearl. 

Literary work is considered not merely as the solace but also as medium of  
truth conveyor that have strength which was not limited by space and time. In 



EDUCARE:
International Journal for Educational Studies, 5(1) 2012

49

fact, literary reading not only can be made medium of  the truth conveyor but, as 
Siti Maryam (2006) finds, that varieties of  essay writings can be also used as the 
medium of  truth conveyor.

Besides, language ethics reinforcement must be done in comprehensively until 
students’ posses’ language politeness. If  it is realized, then its contribution to society 
especially to student will be very significant. In order to reach it, the language 
learning must be based on ethics. Therefore, teacher must be role model of  using 
polite language. Furthermore, students must be facilitated more in using polite 
language. The gist that often is forgotten is giving appreciation to children that can 
use polite language, so it can fertilize student habit as person that not merely polite 
but also can express their opinion in all situation and condition. 

By increasing knowledge quality, skill, and student personality, then Indonesian 
language study must include supplementary books in reading, speaking, listening, 
and writing courses. Of  course its execution must be based on KTSP (Kurikulum 
Tingkat Satuan Pendidikan or Curriculum at Unit of  Education Level). After teacher 
determines basic competence and indicator, then teacher can plan at which step 
supplementary books can be used as supplementary material in learning activity. 
Cutoffs of  the supplementary books can be made as course material or example. 
It also can be used for practice activity, tasks, evaluation, or other exercises. 

Conclusion

Effort of  Indonesian language study teachers in strengthening student character and 
upholding ethics is one of  effort in improving human resource quality. This effort 
is very essential, considering the quality of  Indonesian citizen is still unsatisfying. 
Through speaking and writing skills, teacher can evaluate the use of  language ethics 
among students, both directly and indirectly.  

Written language that learnt by student can be in the form of  textbook and also 
supplementary books. One of  the types of  supplementary books is personality 
enrichment book, which can be use as medium to support the forming of  student 
character in school. Supplementary books can fulfill student need, in a sense that it 
can develop personality, extend knowledge, and uplift life skill which is beneficial 
in building social independence. 

As it is explicated earlier, directly and indirectly that education environment 
would form students’ behavior to live in society, especially in minimizing or even 
preventing social conflict. Teachers must involve in learning activity, since it has 
closed relationship to the reinforcement of  moral values that suitable with general 
rule of  conduct admitted as common truth. 

Those varied of  truth can be obtained through personality enrichment book. 
Open mindedness will effect on someone behavior. Many social problems are 
caused by ignorance or lack of  society knowledge. Students as the next generation 
should be prepared to socialize and live properly. Therefore, Indonesian language 
and literature learning should optimize the students’ role through supplementary 
books.   



SITI MARYAM,
Strengthening the Character

50

References

Article on “Budaya dan Karakter Bangsa Masuk Kurikulum Sekolah” in http://m.berita8.com [accessed 
in Cianjur, Indonesia: 13 January 2010].

Depdikbud RI [Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia]. (1990). Undang-Undang 
No.2 Tahun 1989 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional Republik Indonesia. Jakarta: Ghalia.

Depdiknas RI [Departemen Pendidikan Nasional Republik Indonesia]. (2005). Renstra (Rencana Strategis) 
Rendidikan Nasional, 2000-2004. Jakarta: Depdiknas RI.

Depdiknas RI [Departemen Pendidikan Nasional Republik Indonesia]. (2006). Standar Nasional 
Pendidikan. Jakarta: Depdiknas RI.

Depdiknas RI [Departemen Pendidikan Nasional Republik Indonesia]. (2009). Peraturan Menteri 
Pendidikan Nasional No.2 Tahun 2008. Jakarta: Depdiknas RI.

Depdiknas RI [Departemen Pendidikan Nasional Republik Indonesia]. (2011). Naskah Akademik Buku 
Nonteks Pendidikan. Jakarta: Pusbuk [Pusat Perbukuan].

Dewey, John. (2002). Pengalaman dan Pendidikan. Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Kepel Press, translated by 
John de Santo.

Hasanuddin, W.S. (2009). Ensiklopedi Kebahasaan Indonesia. Bandung, Indonesia: Angkasa.
Hernowo. (2002). “Menulis Feature di Dunia Venus”. [Online] available also at: www.mizan.org.id 

[accessed in Cianjur, Indonesia: 15 June 2012].
http://www.character.org/key-topics/what-is-character-education [accessed in Cianjur, Indonesia: 

13 January 2010]. 
Levinson, S.C. (1985). Pragmatics: Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics. Cambridge: Oxford University 

Press.
Lickona, Thomas, Eric Schaps & Catherine Lewis. (2010). Educating for Character. New York: Free 

Press.
Lisnawati, Cucu. (2004). “Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Pendidikan Budi Pekerti di Sekolah-sekolah” 

in EDUCARE: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Budaya, 2(2), August, ISSN 1412- 579X.
Maryam, Siti. (1995). “Peran Bagan Data dan Frasa Endosentris  bagi Pengembangan Kemampuan 

Menulis Ilmiah”. Unpublished Magister Thesis. Bandung: Program of  Postgraduate IKIP [Institut 
Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan] Bandung.

Maryam, Siti. (2003). “Kajian Nilai Sosial dan Budaya dalam Cerpen Pilihan Kompas Tahun 2003 
dalam Persepsi Siswa SMAN 2 Cianjur”. Unpublished Research Report. Cianjur, Indonesia: UNSUR 
(University of  Suryakancana).

Maryam, Siti. (2006). “Pengembangan Kreativitas Berbahasa dalam Menulis Esai”. Unpublished Doctoral 
Dissertation. Bandung: School of  Postgraduate UPI (Indonesia University of  Education).

Moeliono, Anton M. et al. (1988). Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia. Jakarta: PN Balai Pustaka.
Mulyasana, Dedi. (2007). “Pengaruh Ibu Karier dan Teman Sepermainan terhadap Perilaku Anak” in 

Media Pendidikan: Jurnal Pendidikan Keagamaan, XXII(1), April. 
Rosidi, Ajip. (1995). Sastra dan Budaya. Jakarta, Indonesia: Pustaka Jaya.
Sauri, Sofyan. (2006). Pendidikan Berbahasa Santun. Bandung: Genesindo.
Setneg RI [Sekretariat Negara Republik Indonesia]. (2000). Undang-Undang Dasar 1945. Jakarta: 

Ghalia.
Sidi, Idra Djati. (2001). Menuju Masyarakat Belajar. Jakarta: Radar Jaya.
Strickland, Dorothy & Donna Alvermann. (2004). Bridging the Literacy Achievement Gap: Grades 4-12. 

New York: Teachers College Press.
Suwirta, Andi. (2005). Sejarah Intelektual: Percikan Pemikiran dari Dunia Barat dan Islam. Bandung, 

Indonesia: Suci Press.
Syihabuddin, M. (2009). “Menyoal Kualitas Pesantren dan Madrasah Dikaitkan dengan Perubahan 

Institusi dalam Konteks Reformasi” in Jurnal Dinamika, 1(2), July, ISSN 1979-827X. 
Tarigan, Henry Guntur. (1986). Telaah Buku Teks. Bandung, Indonesia: Angkasa.