Abstract
This study provides an overview of the trends, geographical, and institutional contributions to character building research, focusing on the importance of character education in the 21st century and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which emphasizes inclusive and quality education. Despite growing interest in character development, research on its practical application remains fragmented, and there is a gap in translating theoretical frameworks into real-world educational practices. The study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, augmented by bibliometric analysis, to examine the evolution of character building research, publication patterns, and global contributions. The results reveal a significant surge in publications since 2018, peaking in 2020, with Indonesia as the dominant contributor, surpassing other countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. Key themes identified in the literature include Character Education, Moral Development, Leadership, and Local Wisdom, with local wisdom playing a significant role in Indonesia's character building initiatives. However, the study highlights a gap in the practical implementation of character education policies at the school and community levels. The research contributes to understanding the intersection of character education with SDG 4 and recommends further research to bridge the gap between theory and practice, evaluate the impact of character education programs, and incorporate local wisdom into character education frameworks. Additionally, an interdisciplinary approach is recommended to develop a more comprehensive framework that meets global educational needs.