Digital citizenship for sustainable development goals: A character-based approach in civic education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v23i1.88912

Keywords:

character-based approach, civic education, digital citizenship, sustainable development goals

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative role of character-based digital citizenship in redefining civic education in the digital era. Amid the rapid flow of information and the growing negative impact of technology on national values, civic education must be adaptive and relevant. The study highlights the strategic contribution of digital citizenship to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Target 4.7, which emphasises education for sustainable development and global citizenship, and Target 16, which supports peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice. This research applies a descriptive qualitative approach, using a systematic literature review strategy combined with thematic analysis, to critically and in-depth explore relevant scientific literature. These findings suggest that integrating character education into digital citizenship fosters ethical awareness, responsible digital behaviour, and democratic participation. This synergy strengthens civic competence and promotes inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable educational settings. The study provides strategic insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers, proposing new conceptual models that align digital citizenship with global citizenship goals and advance 21st-century citizenship learning.

Author Biographies

Suriadi Ardiansyah, Universitas Bumigora

Dr. Suriadi Ardiansyah, M.Pd., is a permanent lecturer in the Sports Coaching Education Study Program, Faculty of Education, Universitas Bumigora. In his academic capacity, he is also entrusted with teaching the Compulsory Curriculum Courses (MKWK) of Pancasila Education and Civic Education, a strategic subject that plays an important role in shaping students’ character and fostering national awareness across various study programs.

His academic journey began with earning a Bachelor of Education degree in Pancasila and Civic Education from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram. His commitment to the development of social sciences and humanities was then continued at the master’s level, where he obtained a Master of Social Science Education (M.Pd.) from the Graduate School of Universitas Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta. Subsequently, in 2021, he pursued doctoral studies in the Social Science Education Program at the Faculty of Social Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), one of the leading public universities in Indonesia.

As an academic actively engaged in the fields of citizenship studies, character education, and the development of national awareness, Dr. Suriadi is recognized for his contributions to strengthening national discourse within academic environments and intellectual communities. He is also frequently involved in research activities, scholarly writing, and national scientific forums in the fields of Social Science Education and Pancasila and Civic Education (PPKn).

For academic purposes, research collaboration, or other professional communication, Dr. Suriadi Ardiansyah can be contacted via email at: suriadi@universitasbumigora.ac.id.

Anthony Anggrawan, Universitas Bumigora

Anthony Anggrawan is a Professor of Information Technology Education, he is a Permanent Lecturer of the Foundation with the status of State Civil Apparatus, a lecturer in the Research Methodology Course and he serves as the Rector of Bumigora University. He is an academic as well as an experienced researcher in his field, has various prominent articles published through reputable national and international journals Sinta and Scopus. He completed his Engineering degree at the Surabaya Technical School, then continued his Master of Engineering studies at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Surabaya and his Doctoral of Philosophy (Accounting) studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia. He can be reached by email: anthony.anggrawan@universitasbumigora.ac.id

Dadang Iskandar, Universitas Pasundan

Dadang Iskandar is a Professor of Social Science Education, he is a Permanent Lecturer of the Foundation with the status of State Civil Apparatus, a lecturer in Research Methodology, Pancasila Education and Citizenship and serves as the head of the teacher professional education study program at Pasundan University. He is an academic as well as an experienced researcher in his field, has prominent articles published through reputable national and international journals Sinta and Scopus. He completed a bachelor's degree in geography education, a Master's degree in Social Sciences Education to a Doctoral Study in Social Science Education at the University of Education Indonesia. He can be contacted by email: dang_isk@unpas.ac.id

 

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2026-04-02

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Ardiansyah, S., Anggrawan, A., & Iskandar, D. (2026). Digital citizenship for sustainable development goals: A character-based approach in civic education. Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan, 23(1), 419–435. https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v23i1.88912

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Vol. 23 No. 1 (2026)

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Systematic Literature Review (SLR) / Bibliometrics Article

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