Service as a National Identity: The Concept, Forms, and Role of Service in Community Life in Indonesia

Abstract

Community service has long been recognized as a fundamental value in Indonesian society; however, its role as a component of national identity has received limited scholarly attention. Existing studies tend to focus on the practical outcomes of community service, such as empowerment and participation, rather than examining its broader significance in shaping social cohesion, civic responsibility, and national character. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the concept, forms, and roles of community service as a national identity within Indonesian society. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach involving 80 participants, consisting of community leaders, educators, university students, local government representatives, and community members actively engaged in community service activities. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. The research instruments included questionnaire forms, interview guidelines, and observation sheets. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis supported by descriptive statistical processing to identify patterns and recurring themes related to community service practices and perceptions. The findings revealed that 85% of participants associated community service with mutual cooperation and social responsibility, 78% perceived it as an important element of national identity, 75% reported strengthened social solidarity through participation in community service activities, and 72% indicated improvements in civic engagement and community empowerment. These results demonstrate that community service functions not only as a social activity but also as a cultural and civic mechanism that strengthens national identity, social cohesion, and collective responsibility. The study implies that strengthening community service initiatives through collaborative efforts among educational institutions, government agencies, and communities can contribute to sustainable social development and the preservation of Indonesia’s national identity.