The Value of Honesty in Third-Grade Students at SDN Ngaliyan 05

Abstract

Corruption in Indonesia has become a systemic issue that not only causes economic losses but also undermines moral values and public trust. One of the root causes is the weak internalization of the value of honesty from an early age. This study aims to measure the level of honesty among elementary school students as an initial step toward building anti-corruption character from an early age. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, with third-grade students at SDN Ngaliyan 05 serving as the subjects. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with teachers and a closed quantitative questionnaire completed by 15 students. The results indicate that the students’ level of honesty is categorized as moderate, with an average positive response rate of 79.16%. High values were demonstrated in aspects such as reporting peers who cheat (93.3%) and turning in found items (80%), yet weaknesses remain regarding the courage to admit mistakes (73.3%). This study concludes that although the value of honesty has begun to form, continuous reinforcement from both the school environment and the family is required to cultivate an honest character as the foundation of anti-corruption education.