Strengthening Character Values with 'Unconditional Love' as the Energy of Eternal Happiness: The Perspective of Pancasila and Psychology

Martina Sudibja; A. Juntika Nurihsan; Encep Syarief Nurdin; Asep Dahliyana; Bunyamin Maftuh; Yadi Ruyadi

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jpes.002035

Authors

Martina Sudibja
martinasudibja@upi.edu
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
A. Juntika Nurihsan Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9955-0349
Encep Syarief Nurdin Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2759-5046
Asep Dahliyana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2396-6601
Bunyamin Maftuh Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3894-4918
Yadi Ruyadi Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3754-9254

Keywords:

Character Education, Happiness, Pancasila Values, Psychological Well-Being, Unconditional Love

Abstract

Unconditional love is increasingly recognized as a fundamental value that promotes psychological well-being, social harmony, and character development. However, limited research has examined its role as a psychosocial resource for sustaining happiness within the cultural and philosophical framework of Pancasila. This study explores how unconditional love functions as a character value and a source of enduring happiness from the perspectives of indigenous psychology and Pancasila values in Indonesia. A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 families from diverse professional backgrounds in Bandung City and supported by longitudinal counselling case studies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with source triangulation and member checking to enhance trustworthiness. The findings identify three interconnected dimensions of unconditional love: acceptance, respect, and genuine care. These dimensions foster emotional resilience, psychological security, harmonious family relationships, and spiritual balance. Participants reported that practicing unconditional love reduced interpersonal conflict, strengthened empathy, and promoted sustainable happiness. The findings further indicate that unconditional love facilitates the internalization of core Pancasila values, particularly just and civilized humanity, national unity, and social solidarity. As a culturally embedded psychosocial resource, unconditional love supports both individual and family well-being while encouraging positive character development. This study contributes to indigenous psychology by demonstrating that unconditional love bridges psychological well-being and Pancasila-based moral development. Integrating unconditional love into character education and family-based interventions may strengthen personal flourishing, social cohesion, and sustainable well-being in contemporary Indonesian society.

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Author Biographies

Martina Sudibja, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. She currently serves as President Commissioner at Raya Consult Development. She has over 30 years of experience as a counselor, trainer, and public speaker in the fields of parenting and leadership. (email: martinasudibja@upi.edu).

A. Juntika Nurihsan, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. Mr. Juntika Nurihsan, as he is known, earned his undergraduate degree from IKIP Bandung. His master's degree from IKIP Bandung in 1993 and his doctorate from IKIP Bandung in 1998. (email: juntika.nurihsan@upi.edu).

Encep Syarief Nurdin, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. Mr. Encep Syarief Nurdin, as he is known, earned his undergraduate degree from Padjajaran University and Langlang Buana University. His master's degree from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and his doctorate from Padjajaran University. He is a Professor of Public Policy. (email: encep.sn@upi.edu).

Asep Dahliyana, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. Mr. Asep Dahliyana completed his undergraduate degree from the Indonesian University of Education (UPI), majoring in Civics Education, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FPIPS), in 2008. He earned his master's degree from the Indonesian University of Education (UPI), majoring in Civics Education in 2011, and completed his doctoral program in General and Character Education at the Indonesian University of Education. (email: asep_dahly@upi.edu).

Bunyamin Maftuh, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. Mr. Bunyamin Maftuh completed his bachelor's degree from IKIP Bandung in 1985. He then earned a degree in Education (in Social Studies) in 1995. He also earned his doctorate in 2005 in the Social Studies Education Program at the Indonesian University of Education. His expertise lies in Elementary School Learning Models, Theory and Practice of Social Studies Learning in Elementary Schools, Global Education, Multiculturalism, and Conflict Resolution. He is a Professor of Public Policy. (email: bunyaminmaftuh@upi.edu).

Yadi Ruyadi, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

is affiliated with the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, West Java 40154, Indonesia. Mr. Yadi, as he is known, earned his undergraduate degree from the Indonesian University of Education, his master's degree from Padjajaran University, and his doctorate from the same university. In addition to being a lecturer in the Sociology of Education study program, he currently serves as Chair of the UPI Senate. (email: yadiruyadi016@upi.edu).

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