Mapping character and competency education in Indonesian primary schools: A bibliometric and systematic review of the Pancasila Student Profile

Abstract

This study integrates bibliometric analysis and systematic review to comprehensively map research trends and pedagogical practices concerning the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) in Indonesian primary education. A bibliometric analysis of 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2025 reveals a rapid expansion of P5 research, predominantly emphasizing character and culture-based education models. However, limited attention is given to global competencies such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and citizenship. The systematic review of 15 empirical studies further indicates that most P5 implementations adopt folktale-based learning, ecoliteracy projects, and digital literacy initiatives. Despite their relevance, these interventions are generally short-term, target only partial dimensions of P5, and lack standardized assessment frameworks for affective and dispositional outcomes. Teacher professional development, longitudinal evaluation, and scalability across diverse school contexts remain underexplored. This study contributes to the theoretical and practical discourse on character and competency education by highlighting the urgent need for adaptive and holistic educational models that integrate local wisdom with global learning competencies under the Merdeka Curriculum framework.