Leadership Practices of Madrasah Principals in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to analyze the leadership of madrasah principals in planning, implementation, and evaluation activities in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum that integrates it with Digital Madrasah innovations then analyze the impact of leadership models and digital innovations in the Merdeka Curriculum on the learning process at State Islamic Junior High School.
Methodology: This study uses a qualitative approach with a multi-site study design, which focuses on two state madrasahs in Aceh Tamiang Regency. Data sources include the madrasah principal, deputy head of curriculum, teachers, supervisors, and students.
Main Findings: The results of this study offer novelty in the form of mapping two leadership patterns of madrasah principals in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum that integrates digital innovations, namely the reflective-open model at State Islamic Junior High School 1 and the systemic-digital model at State Islamic Junior High School 2 which result in different strategies in planning, implementation, evaluation, and impact. This study formulates a new model in the form of a cultural-pedagogical versus systemic-pedagogical change pathway, as well as a hybrid reflective-digital evaluation model, which overall form the 'Contextualized Digital-Merdeka Leadership' framework as a significant theoretical and practical contribution.
Novelty/Originality of this study: The research novelty was formulates a new model in the form of a cultural-pedagogical versus systemic-pedagogical change pathway, as well as a hybrid reflective-digital evaluation model, which collectively form the Contextualized Digital-Merdeka Leadership framework as a significant theoretical and practical contribution previously undiscovered in madrasah leadership studies in Indonesia.
References
S. Ahudulu and K. Yahiji, “Strategi kepala madrasah tsanawiyah negeri 1 kota gorontalo dalam mengimplementasikan pengembangan kurikulum merdeka [The strategy of the principal of State Islamic Junior High School 1, Gorontalo City in implementing the development of the independent curriculum],” J. Ilm. AL-Jauhari J. Stud. Islam Dan Interdisip., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 186–201, 2023, doi: 10.30603/jiaj.v8i2.3692.
K. Sa’adah, Z. Hasan, A. Ainol, and I. Izzah, “Kepemimpinan transformasional kepala madrasah terhadap implementasi kurikulum merdeka di Probolinggo [Transformational leadership of madrasah principals towards the implementation of the independent curriculum in Probolinggo],” Al-Fahim J. Manaj. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 120–135, 2023, doi: 10.54396/alfahim.v5i1.553.
A. Safitri, Manajemen Kepala Sekolah [Principal Management]. Yogyakarta: CV.Scientifik Corner Publishing., 2021.
S. Syafaruddin, Manajemen Organisasi Pendidikan Perspektif Sains dan Islam [Educational Organization Management from a Scientific and Islamic Perspective]. Medan: Perdana Publishing, 2017.
A. Roja and H. Salim, “Kepemimpinan kepala sekolah meningkatkan mutu peserta didik: Analisis model dan strategi pencapaian [Principal leadership improves student quality: Analysis of achievement models and strategies],” Hikmah, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 261–271, 2023, doi: 10.53802/hikmah.v20i2.287.
D. Goleman, R. E. Boyatzis, and A. McKee, Primal leadership: Learning to lead with emotional intelligence (Paperback ed., repr.). London-England: Harvard Business School Press, 2008.
S. Syarifah, “Implementasi pendidikan karakter: Sebuah kajian ilmiah dari perspektif gaya kepemimpinan kepala sekolah [Implementation of character education: A scientific study from the perspective of the principal's leadership style],” Nizamul Ilmi, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–21, 2019, doi: 10.1234/nizamulilmi.v4i01.6.
M. Muspawi, “Strategi menjadi kepala sekolah profesional [Strategies to become a professional principal],” J. Ilm. Univ. Batanghari Jambi., vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 402–409, 2020, doi: 10.33087/jiubj.v20i2.938.
N. Neliwati, R. S. Depari, and I. El Musthofa, “Gaya kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dalam pelaksanaan kurikulum merdeka [The leadership style of the school principal in implementing the independent curriculum],” Raudhah Proud To Be Prof. J. Tarb. Islam., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 272–289, 2024, doi: 10.48094/raudhah.v9i1.679.
E. Mulyasa, Manajemen dan Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah [Principal Management and Leadership]. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara, 2017.
M. Ainullah, S. Azisah, and M. Wayong, “Peran kepala madrasah dalam mendukung implementasi kurikulum merdeka di Mas Guppi Samata Gowa [The role of the madrasah principal in supporting the implementation of the independent curriculum at Mas Guppi Samata Gowa],” AT-TAKLIM J. Pendidik. Multidisiplin, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 189-200., 2025, doi: 10.71282/at-taklim.v2i5.332.
B. I. Astini, A. Aqodiah, and N. Hasanah, “Inovasi kepemimpinan kepala madrasah dalam menerapkan kurikulum merdeka [Madrasah principal leadership innovation in implementing the independent curriculum].,” J. Cendekia Media Komun. Penelit. Dan Pengemb. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 15, no. 01, pp. 80–97, 2023, doi: 10.37850/cendekia.v15i01.408.
U. Latifah and M. Mahluddin, “Peran kepala sekolah sebagai manajer dalam penerapan kurikulum merdeka di madrasah ibtidaiyah darussalam Jelutung Kota Jambi [The role of the principal as a manager in implementing the independent curriculum at the Darussalam Jelutung Elementary Madrasah in Jambi City],” J. Pendidikan, Bhs. Dan Budaya, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 119–129, 2025, doi: 10.55606/jpbb.v4i1.5583.
T. Tanti, W. Utami, D. Deliza, and M. Jahanifar, “Investigation in vocation high school for attitude and motivation students in learning physics subject,” Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE), vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 479-490, 2025, doi: 10.37251/jee.v6i2.1452.
M. Mafdu and M. Hifdil, “Supervisi Kepala Madrasah pada Manajemen Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Badridduja Full Day School,” J. Kewarganegaraan, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 210–224, 2024.
M. R. Solana and D. Mustika, “Peran kepala sekolah sebagai leader dalam pendidikan.,” Murhum J. Pendidik. Anak Usia Dini, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 406–418, 2023, doi: 10.37985/murhum.v4i1.231.
J. Junaidi, A. J. Al Idrus, and B. Bahtiar, “Kepemimpinan kepala madrasah dalam mengimplementasikan kurikulum merdeka [Madrasah principal leadership in implementing the independent curriculum],” J. Manaj. Dan Budaya, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 52–65, 2024, doi: 10.51700/manajemen.v4i2.645.
W. A. Adha and S. Fadhila, “Peran kepala sekolah dalam implementasi kurikulum merdeka [The role of the principal in implementing the independent curriculum],” IBTIDA-Jurnal Kaji. Pendidik. Dasar, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 68–80, 2023, doi: 10.33507/ibtida.v3i1.1121.
N. Nuryoso, D. Saputra, M. M. Qawim, A. Hariyadi, and S. Utomo, “Kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dalam menerapkan konsep merdeka belajar [The principal's leadership in implementing the concept of independent learning],” Equity Educ. J., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 14–22, 2023, doi: 10.37304/eej.v5i1.8256.
E. Agustian, D. Hidayati, and W. Widodo, “The Transformational Leadership of School Principals in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum 5(3), .,” J. Educ. Teach., vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 323–335, 2024, doi: 10.51454/jet.v5i3.444.
M. C. Muzaini, M. Maemonah, and I. Istiningsih., “Peran kepala sekolah untuk mengatasi hambatan guru dalam pengembangan kurikulum merdeka di sekolah dasar [the role of the principal in overcoming teacher obstacles in developing the independent curriculum in elementary schools],” Didakt. J. Ilm. PGSD STKIP Subang, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 1214–1235, 2023, doi: 10.36989/didaktik.v9i5.2060.
T. S. Matondang, L. K. Boangmanalu, H. N. Purba, A. Zaki, B. Siregar, and W. Wasiyem, “Kepemimpinan inovatif kepala sekolah dalam menghadapi tantangan kurikulum merdeka [Innovative leadership of school principals in facing the challenges of the independent curriculum],” J. Kolaboratif Sains, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 846–853, 2025, doi: 10.56338/jks.v8i1.6697.
I. Anas, Wahira, and M. Ardiansyah, “Kepemimpinan pembelajaran kepala sekolah penggerak dalam implementasi kurikulum merdeka di sdn 001 Center Mambi Kabupaten Mamasa [The learning leadership of the driving principal in the implementation of the independent curriculum at SDN 001 Center Mambi, Mamasa Regency],” Pendas J. Ilm. Pendidik. Dasar, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 164–174, 2025, doi: 10.23969/jp.v10i02.27196.
R. Hidayat and C. Wijaya, Ayat-Ayat Alquran Tentang Manajemen Pendidikan Islam [Quranic Verses on Islamic Education Management]. Medan: Lembaga Peduli Pengembangan Pendidikan Indonesia, 2020.
W. Wahjosumidjo, Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah:Tinjauan Teoretik dan Permasalahannya [Principal Leadership: Theoretical Review and Problems], Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada., 2005.
S. J. Zaccaro, J. P. Green, S. Dubrow, and M. Kolze, “Leader individual differences, situational parameters, and leadership outcomes: A comprehensive review and integration. the leadership quarterly,” Leadersh. Q., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 2–43, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2017.10.003.
G. C. Banks, J. Gooty, R. L. Ross, C. E. Williams, and N. T. Harrington, “Construct redundancy in leader behaviors: A review and agenda for the future.,” Leadersh. Q., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 236–251, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2017.12.005.
L. O. Hasiara, Penelitian Multi Kasus dan Multi Situs [Multi-Case and Multi-Site Research], 1st ed. Penerbit CV IRDH Anggota, 2018.
N. Nasarudin et al., Studi Kasus dan Multi Situs dalam Pendekatan Kualitatif [Case Studies and Multi-Site in a Qualitative Approach]. Padang: CV. Gita Lentera, 2024.
A. B. Suprio, F. Hanurawan, and S. Sutarno, “Keterampilan sosial siswa sekolah dasar dalam penguatan pendidikan karakter berbasis budaya sekolah [Social skills of elementary school students in strengthening character education based on school culture],” J. Pendidik. Teor. Penelitian, dan Pengemb., vol. 5, no. 1, p. 121, 2020, doi: 10.17977/jptpp.v5i1.13153.
S. Alamsyahrony, B. Soetjipto, Eko, and A. R. Al Atok, “Studi multi situs: Pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring synchronous dan asynchronous pada sekolah dasar di Jember [Multi-site study: Implementation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning in elementary schools in Jember],” J. Kaji. Teknol. Pendidik., vol. 6, no. 3, p. 183, 2023, doi: 10.17977/um038v6i32023p183.
J. W. Creswell, A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications., 2021.
Q. Qomaruddin, and H. Sa'diyah, “Kajian teoritis tentang teknik analisis data dalam penelitian kualitatif: Perspektif Spradley, Miles dan Huberman [A theoretical study of data analysis techniques in qualitative research: The perspectives of Spradley, Miles and Huberman],” Journal of Management, Accounting, and Administration, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 77-84, 2024, doi: 10.52620/jomaa.v1i2.93.
W. V. Nurfajriani, M. W. Ilhami, A. Mahendra, M. W. Afgani, and R. A. Sirodj, “Triangulasi data dalam analisis data kualitatif [Data triangulation in qualitative data analysis],” Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, vol. 10, no. 17, pp. 826-833, 2024, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.13929272.
T. C. Wijayanti, Teori dan Implementasi Kepemimpinan Strategis [Strategic Leadership Theory and Implementation]. Yogyakarta: K-Media, 2021.
A. Sutarna, H. Wijoyo, I. Indrawan, and B. Usada, Manajemen Pendidikan Vokasi [Vocational Education Management]. Semarang: CV. Pena Persada, 2020.
S. Sagala, Manajemen Strategik dalam Miningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan [Strategic Management in Improving the Quality of Education]. Bandung: Alfabeta, 2010.
A. Gunawan, Kepemimpinan Melayani di Era Digital: Mendorong Komitmen dan Perilaku Positif Pendidik dalam Perguruan Tinggi [Servant Leadership in the Digital Age: Encouraging Commitment and Positive Behavior among Educators in Higher Education]. Yogyakarta : Selat Media., 2024.
S. Arif et al., Gaya Kepemimpinan [Leadership Style]. Yogyakarta : CV Rey Media Grafika., 2024.
M. Fullan, The new meaning of educational change, 4th ed. Teachers College Press, 2007.
P. M. Senge, The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. New York: Doubleday/Currency., 1990.
C. A. Tomlinson, The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners, 2nd ed. Alexandria: VA: ASCD., 2014.
D. A. Kurniawan, A. Astalini, D. Darmaji, T. Tanti, and S. Maryani, “Innovative learning: Gender perception of e-module linear equations in mathematics and physics,” Indonesian Journal on Learning and Advanced Education (IJOLAE), 92-106, 2022, doi: 10.23917/ijolae.v4i2.16610.
F. Iskandar, B. Sujanto, and M. S. Sumantri, “Character education human nature based-curriculum in science learning of primary school,” Int. e-Journal Educ. Stud., vol. 6, no. 12, pp. 184–190, 2022, doi: 10.31458/iejes.1171845.
A. Raberi, H. Fitria, and Y. Fitriani, “Pengaruh supervisi kepala sekolah dan peran komite sekolah terhadap kinerja guru [The influence of principal supervision and the role of the school committee on teacher performance],” J. Al-Qiyam, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 11–20, 2020, doi: 10.33648/alqiyam.v1i1.123.
R. S. P and T. A. Judge, Organizational Behavior. Fourteenth Edition. New Jarsey: Pearson Prentice-Hall., 2011.
E. H. Schein, Organizational culture and leadership, 4th ed. Jossey-Bass., 2010.
L. S. Vygotsky, Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. London: Harvard University Press., 1978.
E. M. Rogers, Diffusion of innovations, 5th ed. Chicago: Free Press, 2003.
E. Sheninger, Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. San Francisco: Corwin Press, 2014.
U. Adilla, J. J. Yandra, and N. Hermawati, “Analisis konsep manajemen kurikulum merdeka belajar untuk meningkatkan mutu pendidikan di madrasah ibtidaiyah [Analysis of the independent learning curriculum management concept to improve the quality of education in elementary madrasas],” NUR EL-ISLAM J. Pendidik. dan Sos. Keagamaan, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 240–262, 2023, doi: 10.51311/nuris.v10i2.564.
A. Harris and M. Jones, “Professional learning communities and system improvement.,” Improv. Sch., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 172–181, 2010, doi: 10.1177/1365480210376487.
N. Selwyn, Education and technology: Key issues and debates., 2 nd. Los Angeles: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aini Safitri, Amiruddin Siahaan, Mardianto Mardianto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and acknowledge that the Integrated Science Education Journal is the first publisher licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges and earlier and greater citation of published work.
.png)
.png)
