Dawuh: Islamic Communication Journal
Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): November

Children’s Enjoyment and Recognition of Character Strengths in Bawang Merah Bawang Putih: Implications for Character Education

Mohamad Alppy Valdez (Universitas Islam Bandung)
Neni Yulianita (Universitas Islam Bandung)
Yenni Yuniati (Universitas Islam Bandung)
Rini Rinawati (Universitas Islam Bandung)
Roswiyani Roswiyani (Universitas Tarumanagara)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Sep 2026

Abstract

Children's character education is often taught through monotonous methods. Narrative is believed to be an effective method for persuading children through folktales. Folklore is a narrative that has been verbally transmitted through the generations. This method was used to teach children about moral concepts in an interesting way, such as the story of Bawang Merah Bawang Putih. However, there is limited evidence that Bawang Merah Bawang Putih can instill character in children. Thus, this study aims to investigate the enjoyment and character traits emphasized in Bawang Merah Bawang Putih. Using a one-group post-test design, involved children aged 10 to 12 from schools in Indonesia. After watching a theatrical performance of Bawang Merah Bawang Putih, the children completed questionnaires measuring enjoyment using scales from Oliver and Bartsch and the Values in Action – Youth from Park and Peterson to assess character strengths. Data were analyzed using a one-sample t-test and a within-subjects ANOVA. The results show that 38 students experienced enjoyment and identified positive character strengths from the story, namely perseverance, forgiveness, zest, bravery, humility, honesty, and prudence. These findings suggest that Bawang Merah Bawang Putih can support character education by increasing children's enjoyment and recognition of positive character strengths.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

dawuh

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Dawuh is an academic journal published by Yayasan Darussalam Bengkulu. This journal publishes original researches in multi concepts, theories, perspectives, paradigms and methodologies on da’wah studies. The study focus of this Journal is : 1. Islamic communication and journalistic 2. Islamic ...