Globalization and technological developments have caused early childhood to become more familiar with popular culture than local culture, thus requiring efforts to instill a love for the homeland character from an early age. This study aims to describe the implementation of gamelan extracurricular activities, identify the dimensions of the developing love for the homeland character, and analyze its impact on early childhood at TKN Unggulan Magetan. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with 1 principal, 1 gamelan accompanying teacher, and 26 children in group B as research subjects. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model with triangulation of sources, techniques, and time. The results showed that gamelan was implemented through planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. This activity developed six dimensions of the love for the homeland character, namely pride in national culture, preservation of cultural heritage, appreciation for local wisdom, a sense of belonging to Indonesian culture, mutual cooperation and togetherness, and discipline and responsibility. In addition, gamelan increased children's cultural interest, cultural knowledge, social-emotional abilities, and appreciation of traditional arts.
Keyword : Karawitan; Patriotism; Local Culture; Character Education; Early Childhood