Engineering Fundamentals as a Vehicle for Integrity, Nationalism, and Ethical Character: A Conceptual Framework for Values-Based Engineering Education in Indonesia's National Curriculum

Abstrak

The integration of Engineering Fundamentals (Dasar-Dasar Rekayasa) into Indonesia's national curriculum represents a significant paradigm shift—from content-based learning toward competency-based education that deliberately cultivates integrity, ethics, nationalism, and innovation. This conceptual-qualitative study employs a systematic literature review and conceptual analysis of 55 internationally indexed articles (Q1–Q2, Scopus/WoS, 2019–2025) alongside national policy documents (Capaian Pembelajaran, Kemendikbudristek 2022; 2024). The study conceptualises six core Engineering Fundamentals components: Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Ethics and Social Responsibility, Technology and Digital Literacy, and Reflection and Adaptation. Each component is mapped operationally across educational levels (PAUD through SMA/SMK) and explicitly linked to the 8 Dimensions of the Graduate Profile (Profil Lulusan). Comparative analysis with U.S. (NGSS) and European (phenomenon-based learning) frameworks reveals that Indonesia's approach is uniquely positioned to integrate technical competence with character formation grounded in Pancasila values. The article provides theoretical, practical, and policy contributions toward a values-based engineering education model that nurtures socially responsible, innovative, and nationally conscious graduates.