<![CDATA[Developing critical thinking skills is one of the primary goals of 21st-century learning, including at the elementary school level. Indonesian language learning plays a strategic role in fostering critical thinking skills through language activities that require analysis, interpretation, and reflection. One learning model widely applied to support the development of critical thinking is Problem-Based Learning (PBL). As interest in PBL increases, the number of studies discussing this model continues to grow, but comprehensive research mapping remains limited. This study aims to analyze the development and structure of research on the application of the Problem-Based Learning model to the development of critical thinking through a bibliometric. The method used was bibliometric analysis utilizing the Web of Science database and a science mapping approach. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer software using co-citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis techniques. The results indicate that PBL is a central theme with strong links to the development of critical thinking, active learning, and student engagement. The resulting thematic structure demonstrates that critical thinking is a central axis in the PBL research network across educational contexts. This research contributes to providing a comprehensive overview of PBL research trends and directions and serves as a foundation for the development of research and practice in Indonesian language learning in elementary schools]]>
