Pendidikan Transformatif sebagai Pilar Pembangunan Sosial dan Ekonomi Generasi Peduli, Kreatif, dan Berdaya di Era Masyarakat 5.0

Abstract

The era of Society 5.0 places humans at the center of technological advancement through the integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital ecosystems within all dimensions of social life. This transformation demands an educational model that extends beyond cognitive proficiency to cultivate character, creativity, and socio-economic agency among the younger generation. This article provides an in-depth analysis of transformative education as a foundational pillar for developing caring, creative, and empowered individuals capable of navigating the complexities of Society 5.0. Employing a qualitative approach through a systematic literature review, this study synthesizes 85 national and international publications, including key frameworks from UNESCO, OECD, and the World Economic Forum, as well as classical and contemporary theories of critical and transformational pedagogy. Findings reveal that transformative education operates through three interdependent dimensions: (1) reconstructing mindsets through critical reflection, dialogic learning, and experiential engagement; (2) strengthening digital literacy and 21st-century competencies encompassing information literacy, data and AI literacy, and digital citizenship; and (3) fostering socio-economic capability through social entrepreneurship, economic literacy, and community-based learning. The integration of these dimensions significantly enhances students’ critical thinking, empathy, collaboration, and innovation capabilities. Transformative education further contributes to building social capital, strengthening community cohesion, and promoting youth economic resilience through meaningful participation in value-driven social initiatives. This article argues that inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development can only be achieved through a human-centered, adaptive, and innovative educational paradigm—one that not merely transmits knowledge but develops critical consciousness and collective agency. The study proposes an integrative conceptual framework that may serve as a strategic reference for educational institutions, policymakers, and community stakeholders in designing transformative learning ecosystems capable of cultivating caring, creative, and empowered generations in the era of Society 5.0.