Publication Search

This study compares the Islamic religious education systems in Indonesia and Malaysia with a particular focus on curriculum design and its implementation within secondary schools. Using a qualitative research approach, data were gathered through document analysis and interviews with educators and school administrators from both countries. The findings show that although Indonesia and Malaysia share similar objectives in fostering students’ understanding and practice of Islamic teachings, several significant differences remain in terms of curriculum structure, learning materials, and instructional strategies. In Indonesia, Islamic religious education is more closely integrated into the national curriculum, emphasizing a balance between religious values and general educational competencies. Meanwhile, Malaysia adopts a more specific and traditionally oriented curriculum that places stronger emphasis on classical Islamic knowledge and conventional pedagogical practices. Implementation in both countries is shaped by government policies, socio-cultural contexts, and local wisdom that influence how Islamic education is delivered in the classroom. Overall, this study is expected to contribute as a useful reference for enhancing the effectiveness, relevance, and contextualization of Islamic education systems in both nations.

The School-Based Curriculum (KSP) is an operational curriculum developed by educational units to align learning objectives with the characteristics of students, local potentials, and the evolving needs of society. KSP provides schools with autonomy to develop curricula that are relevant to their local context, allowing for variations in the approach to learning. This article aims to discuss the basic concept of KSP, the challenges in its implementation, and its evaluation in the context of Indonesian education. The research method used is a literature review, analyzing theories and regulations related to KSP. The results show that KSP plays a strategic role in providing schools with the flexibility to develop curricula that meet the needs of the region and students. However, the implementation of KSP still faces various challenges, such as limited teacher competencies, insufficient understanding of curriculum principles, and weak evaluation and supervision of curriculum implementation. To address these challenges, the evaluation of KSP implementation needs to be strengthened by improving teachers' competencies, developing relevant learning materials, and enhancing ongoing curriculum supervision. By doing so, KSP can be optimized to achieve better educational outcomes in Indonesia.  

 Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) play a strategic role in shaping the character, morality, and spirituality of the Indonesian nation as traditional Islamic educational institutions that have long contributed to social and religious life. Although their existence has been legally recognized through Law Number 18 of 2019 on Pesantren, the integration of Pancasila values into pesantren curricula continues to face several challenges, particularly in aligning these values with the provisions of the National Education System Law (UU Sisdiknas). This study aims to analyze the legal standing of pesantren within the national education system, identify opportunities and obstacles in implementing Pancasila Education in pesantren environments, and formulate policy recommendations that strengthen the internalization of national values. Using a normative juridical approach, this research examines national education regulations and religious education frameworks to understand the role of pesantren in supporting national development based on Pancasila. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the government, education stakeholders, and pesantren administrators in optimizing the role of pesantren as centers of character and civic development, as well as enhancing public understanding of the importance of harmonizing religious education with national civic education.

This community service activity aimed to socialize time management materials to sixth-grade elementary school students in order to improve their learning skills, productivity, and sense of responsibility during their educational process. The activity was conducted at SDN Inti Sungai Miai 11, Banjarmasin, on September 19, 2025, with 34 student participants consisting of 17 boys and 17 girls from combined classes VI A and VI B. The method used was an interactive socialization approach that began with a pre-test and ended with a post-test using questionnaires to measure changes in students’ understanding and attitudes, followed by the delivery of materials, question-and-answer sessions, active discussions, and a brief practice of preparing a daily study schedule with a student representative. Quantitative results showed an increase in the average score of students’ understanding from 2.43 to 2.48, with a difference of 0.05, particularly in the indicator of ability to create a daily schedule, which increased by 0.29. In addition, qualitative results indicated an increase in students’ awareness and behavioral changes in managing their time more regularly during school activities. This activity had a positive impact on fostering students’ discipline and responsibility, and it is recommended that time management activities be integrated sustainably into school learning programs and curriculum.

Indonesia’s diversity is a valuable asset that must be wisely managed to prevent potential conflicts. Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, in line with Islamic teachings on tolerance. Ma’had Al-Zaytun serves as an example of an Islamic educational institution that instills Islamic and national values in a moderate and inclusive manner, shaping students to live harmoniously within a pluralistic society. This study aims to determine the role of Ma’had Al-Zaytun in shaping attitudes of tolerance based on Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution and Islamic Law. The research employs a descriptive approach with a library research method. Primary data were obtained from Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution and Hukum Islam by Sofyan Hasan, while secondary data were derived from journals, theses, dissertations, documents, and previous relevant studies. The results show that Ma’had Al-Zaytun plays an important role in fostering tolerance through two perspectives. Based on Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution, Al-Zaytun creates an educational environment that values diversity through curriculum design, exemplary teachers, social activities, and intercultural dialogue. From the perspective of Islamic Law, tolerance is reflected through the preservation of religion and intellect, emphasizing peace, respect for other religions, and freedom of thought and dialogue. The combination of these perspectives produces students who are religious, open-minded, and socially responsible in a pluralistic national life.

This study aims to explore Al-Syarqawi’s concept of learning motivation and its relevance to the development of students’ interest in learning within the framework of modern Islamic education. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a library research method and applies content analysis to Al-Ta’allum: Al-Nadhariyat wa Al-Tatbiqiyyah and other relevant references. The results show that Al-Syarqawi places motivation as a fundamental condition that determines the continuity and success of the learning process. Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, covers spiritual, psychological, social, and biological dimensions that guide students toward meaningful learning experiences. Al-Syarqawi emphasizes that spiritual motivation should be integrated into the educational process to create balance between intellectual development and moral-spiritual growth. His thought remains relevant to holistic and character-based education, especially in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, which promotes student independence, creativity, and moral responsibility. Thus, this study contributes to enriching Islamic educational thought by providing an integrative perspective that harmonizes spiritual, psychological, and pedagogical values to enhance students’ motivation and learning engagement.

This study aims to compare the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia and the National Curriculum in Japan from both conceptual and practical perspectives. The analysis focuses on the fundamental principles, educational goals, learning approaches, and classroom implementation. Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility and autonomy for teachers and students, highlighting competency development, character building, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). Meanwhile, Japan’s National Curriculum centers on fostering a well-balanced personality through integrated moral, social, and academic education. Conceptually, both curricula share similarities in promoting holistic learning and character education, yet they differ in implementation and assessment systems. In Indonesia, project-based and differentiated learning approaches are key features, whereas Japan emphasizes collaborative learning, discipline, and hands-on experience in daily life. Practically, Indonesia faces challenges in ensuring equal access to resources and teacher readiness, while Japan has established a stable and standardized national education system. This comparative analysis reveals that Indonesia can learn from Japan in terms of consistency, learning culture, and the integration of moral and social values. Thus, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing Indonesia’s curriculum to become more globally responsive while preserving national identity and character.

School administration is a fundamental component in ensuring effective and high-quality education in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the concept of effective school administration, the essential administrative components that must be designed and managed, and the factors influencing its success in supporting educational quality improvement. A qualitative approach was employed, focusing on naturally occurring administrative processes within elementary educational institutions. Data were obtained through literature review on the management of curriculum, students, educational staff, finance, facilities, and school–community relations. The findings indicate that effective school administration must be carried out systematically through core management functions, including planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring. The success of school administration is strongly influenced by the leadership of the principal, the competence of teachers and staff, the utilization of information technology, accountable financial management, adequate facilities, and community participation. Therefore, strengthening school administration becomes a key strategy in creating an orderly, efficient, and student-oriented educational process to improve learning quality in elementary schools.

Indonesia is a country with a high level of disaster vulnerability due to its location at the meeting point of three world tectonic plates and the Pacific Ring of Fire region. The Merdeka Curriculum provides a strategic opportunity in integrating disaster education to equip students with understanding, skills, and responsive attitudes to disaster risks. Through a contextual and participatory approach, schools can become centers of preparedness that not only train students but also strengthen collective awareness in dealing with emergency situations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the synergistic relationship between the Merdeka Curriculum and disaster education to strengthen preparedness in educational units in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a literature study. The results of the study show that the Merdeka Curriculum opens great opportunities for strengthening disaster education through integration in various subjects and strengthening student character in accordance with the Pancasila Student Profile. Although there are still implementation challenges, such as limited teacher understanding and lack of national standards, holistic strategies, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration can encourage the realization of effective, sustainable, and contextual disaster education in educational units.

Local culture plays a strategic role in shaping and maintaining the identity of the diverse Indonesian nation. In the context of higher education, local culture does not merely function as a heritage of tradition but also as a source of values and character that can strengthen students’ national consciousness. This research aims to analyze the role of local culture as the foundation of national identity at the university and to identify strategies for implementing cultural values in the educational process and at campus life. This research employes a descriptive qualitative approach using interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), participatory observation, and document analysis to collect data. The findings indicate that the internalization of local cultural values through curriculum, student activities, and academic culture can strengthen the self-identity of students as the nation’s next generation. Thus, higher education institutions play a crucial role as agents of cultural preservation while simultaneously driving national ideology through the development of academic and non-academic programs rooted in local values. Thus, strengthening local culture in higher education is a strategic step in building a national identity that is characterized, competitive, and uniquely Indonesian.

This study discusses the innovation of Arabic language learning strategies based on communicative skills that emphasizes mastery of four main aspects, namely listening (istima'), speaking (kalam), reading (qira'ah), and writing (kitabah). The background of the research departs from the problem that Arabic language learning in many educational institutions is still dominated by traditional approaches that focus on memorization and translation. As a result, students have difficulty in applying Arabic actively and communicatively. This research aims to describe the concept of language skills-based learning, identify effective methods, and analyze obstacles and implementable solutions. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive methods through literature studies, observations, and interviews, this study found that language skills-based approaches are more effective in improving communication skills than traditional methods. Methods such as Direct Method, Communicative Approach, Audio-Lingual Method, and Total Physical Response (TPR) have been proven to be able to increase students' participation and language competence. In addition, the use of digital media and interactive applications strengthens the learning process. However, limited resources, lack of interactive media, and lack of practice time are major challenges. This study concludes that technology integration, improving educator competencies, and preparing a practice-based curriculum are the keys to the success of Arabic language learning that is communicative and relevant to the needs of the modern era.

The management of educational institutions has a strategic role in determining the direction of growth and sustainability of the institution. The success of this management is highly dependent on the administrator's ability to analyze the external environment, understand the position of competitors, optimize internal potential, and formulate superior strategies that are able to maintain competitiveness without ignoring the fundamental values ​​of education. In this context, the application of marketing management becomes an important need. This study aims to analyze marketing management in increasing public trust in the Darul Hikmah Islamic Boarding School in Tulungagung. This study uses a qualitative phenomenological approach with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out through data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusion/verification. The results of the study indicate that the marketing strategy of the Darul Hikmah Islamic Boarding School in Tulungagung in building public trust is implemented through four main elements: (1) Product – offering quality educational services with character strengthening, implementing the curriculum of the Ministry of National Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, local content, and superior extracurricular programs; (2) Price – affordable registration and administration fees and adjusted to the economic conditions of the community; (3) Place – the location of the Islamic boarding school is strategic, easy to reach, and has a conducive learning environment; and (4) Promotion – conducted through visits to elementary schools, installation of promotional media (billboards, banners, brochures), publication of extracurricular achievements, and utilization of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the Islamic boarding school's official website.

Islamic boarding schools and madrassas play an important role in the formation of religious character and education in Indonesia. The transformation of the regulations of these two institutions is crucial to adjust educational practices to the principles of the state of law of Pancasila. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the regulation of Islamic boarding schools and madrasah diniyyah and its impact on the internalization of Pancasila values. The method used is qualitative descriptive through the study of documents, including laws and regulations and related literature. The results of the study show that there are significant changes, such as formal recognition of institutional status, curriculum standards, and accreditation mechanisms, which strengthen operational legality and the application of Pancasila values. In addition, the latest regulations also encourage the improvement of the quality of governance, transparency of institutional management, and strengthening the role of the community in the education process. The implementation of these regulations also provides space for learning innovation, integration of religious moderation, and adaptation to social development. In conclusion, the harmonization of these regulations allows for religious education that is relevant to the national context while maintaining religious identity. This research provides the basis for the development of a balanced Islamic education policy between state authorities, the needs of students, and the autonomy of educational institutions in the face of modern challenges and increasingly complex social changes.

Education in remote areas continues to face various problems that affect the quality and equity of learning outcomes. The lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure, the shortage of competent teachers, and limited access to learning resources are the main obstacles to implementing effective education in these regions. In addition, the national curriculum, which is uniform in nature, is often less relevant to the needs, potential, and local context of the community. This study aims to analyze educational problems in remote areas and their relevance to adaptive and contextual curriculum design. Using a literature review approach, the study shows that a curriculum aligned with local conditions can improve students’ learning motivation, develop regional potential, and strengthen life skills. Therefore, collaborative efforts among the government, educators, and the community are needed to design a curriculum that can effectively address educational challenges in remote areas in a sustainable manner.

This research is motivated by the low quality of learning in various educational units, one of the causes of which is the gap between curriculum design and classroom implementation. A good curriculum will not have a significant impact without effective implementation by teachers. Therefore, curriculum implementation plays a strategic role as a link between macro-level education policies and classroom learning practices. This study aims to analyze the impact of curriculum implementation on learning quality, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate strategies to strengthen learning quality. The method used is descriptive qualitative, using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques with teachers, principals, and elementary school students. The results show that the implementation of a flexible curriculum, such as the Independent Curriculum, encourages a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning, which increases student motivation and engagement through project-based learning and authentic assessment. However, teacher preparedness, limited infrastructure, and administrative burdens remain major obstacles. Authentic assessment has been shown to improve students' critical thinking skills and creativity, but requires consistent managerial support. The implication is that improving the quality of learning must be accompanied by strengthening teacher competency, the availability of resources, and adaptive school management so that curriculum transformation has a real impact on the quality of national education

The Merdeka Curriculum policy, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), marks a significant paradigm shift in the Indonesian educational landscape. This curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning, flexibility, and the development of competencies according to students' interests and talents. This study aims to critically analyze the relevance of the philosophy of progressivism, pioneered by John Dewey, as a conceptual foundation for the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a systematic literature review method on 15 Sinta indexed scientific journals (minimum Sinta 4) published between 2018-2024, this study examines the alignment between the core principles of progressivism such as experience as the basis of learning (learning by doing), the teacher's role as a facilitator, problem-solving, and democratic education and the essence of the Merdeka Curriculum policy. The analysis reveals a strong alignment between the two concepts. Project-based learning, content differentiation, and formative assessment within the Merdeka Curriculum are concrete manifestations of progressive ideas. However, this study also identifies implementation challenges, such as teacher readiness, school culture transformation, and resource availability, which can hinder the internalization of this philosophy at the practical level. It is concluded that a deep understanding of the philosophy of progressivism by stakeholders, especially educational managers and teachers, is crucial to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum becomes not just an administrative change, but also a substantive and sustainable pedagogical transformation.

This research is motivated by the low quality of learning in various educational units, one of the causes of which is the gap between curriculum design and classroom implementation. A good curriculum will not have a significant impact without effective implementation by teachers. Therefore, curriculum implementation plays a strategic role as a link between macro-level education policies and classroom learning practices. This study aims to analyze the impact of curriculum implementation on learning quality, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate strategies to strengthen learning quality. The method used is descriptive qualitative, using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques with teachers, principals, and elementary school students. The results show that the implementation of a flexible curriculum, such as the Independent Curriculum, encourages a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning, which increases student motivation and engagement through project-based learning and authentic assessment. However, teacher preparedness, limited infrastructure, and administrative burdens remain major obstacles. Authentic assessment has been shown to improve students' critical thinking skills and creativity, but requires consistent managerial support. The implication is that improving the quality of learning must be accompanied by strengthening teacher competency, the availability of resources, and adaptive school management so that curriculum transformation has a real impact on the quality of national education

This study explores the epistemological foundation of Islamic education in the context of the Merdeka Curriculum implementation in Indonesia. The research aims to analyze how Islamic epistemology—which integrates revelation, reason, and experience—can be harmonized with the principles of independent learning that emphasize flexibility, contextual understanding, and character development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study collects data through literature review and content analysis of relevant academic works and policy documents. The findings show that the integration of Islamic epistemology provides a philosophical framework that strengthens the spiritual and moral dimensions of education while maintaining academic autonomy. The implications highlight the importance of teachers’ capacity, curriculum adaptation, and policy support to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum remains grounded in Islamic educational values. This study contributes to the discourse on contemporary Islamic education by proposing an integrative model that aligns faith-based knowledge with modern educational paradigms.  

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the sorogan and bandongan methods in Islamic boarding school (pesantren) learning through the perspective of educational psychology. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach based on library research, this study explores the relevance of these traditional teaching methods to behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist learning theories. The findings reveal that the sorogan method, which emphasizes personal interaction between students (santri) and teachers (kiai), plays a crucial role in improving reading accuracy, learning discipline, independence, and metacognitive abilities. Meanwhile, the bandongan method, which is conducted collectively, proves effective in strengthening conceptual understanding, fostering social learning, and internalizing moral and spiritual values within a communal context. The integration of these two methods represents a synergy between the intellectual tradition of pesantren and the principles of modern educational psychology that emphasize affective, cognitive, and psychomotor aspects. The results indicate that the combined application of sorogan and bandongan can support the development of an adaptive pesantren curriculum aligned with the demands of 21st-century education while maintaining the Islamic scholarly tradition that serves as the foundation for character formation and personal development.

This research responds to the contemporary educational crisis dominated by cognitive intelligence ('aql) resulting in the phenomenon of "smart but dry," by proposing Al-Ghazali's concept of "Education of Feelings" as a solution. The aim is to explore the concept, methods, and relevance of "Education of Feelings" to balance the intellectual and spiritual dimensions. This descriptive qualitative research uses library research on Al-Ghazali's works. The results show that "Education of Feelings" is a transformative effort that emphasizes the integration of knowledge through reason and intuition (dzawq), with the qalb (spiritual heart) as the center of knowledge reception. Its pedagogical core is the process of purifying the soul (Tazkiyatun Nafs) so that knowledge is beneficial (Ilm Nafi') and culminates in ma'rifah (true knowledge) and moral perfection (al-insan al-kamil). Practically, relevant methods include teacher role models (uswah hasanah) and learning based on deep reflection. This concept is relevant in the digital age because it serves as a spiritual bulwark, offering peace of mind (sakinah) and an ethical filter (dzawq) to counter individualism and information disruption. Consequently, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) education is advised to reconstruct its curriculum and evaluation to include a portfolio assessment of morals, in order to shape a cognitively intelligent and spiritually mature generation.