By: Riska Ristiana (1222010161)
(Student at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Department of Islamic Education Management / Undergraduate Program in International Islamic Education Management)
Islamic education in the global era demands continuous renewal that can respond to the challenges of the times without abandoning its foundational Islamic values. Reform and innovation in educational management are key so that Islamic educational institutions are not left behind in global competition. In this context, transformation is needed at the level of policy, curriculum, and educational practice. This paper discusses four important aspects: global education reform, national education reform in Indonesia, reform of Islamic religious education, and a model of reform through the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) approach.
First: The Basic Concept of Global Education Reform
Global education reform is a response to the rapidly changing times, including technological revolutions, economic globalization, and shifts in social and cultural values. Education can no longer be local and exclusive, but must be inclusive and adaptive to international standards. This reform emphasizes changes in curriculum, teaching methods, and evaluation systems to develop a generation that is competitive and globally minded.
Some of the key principles in global education reform include: access to quality education for all, gender equality and social inclusion, the integration of digital technology in learning, and the development of global citizenship character. This reform requires cross-country collaboration, partnerships with international organizations, and joint efforts among educational institutions to build relevant and future-oriented education models.
Second: National Education Reform in Indonesia
National education reform in Indonesia began after the 1998 reformation era, focusing on the decentralization of education, democratization of learning processes, and a shift toward a competency-based curriculum. This reform is marked by the establishment of important regulations, such as Law No. 20 of 2003 on the National Education System.
The reform efforts also include improving the quality of teachers, expanding access to basic and secondary education, and enhancing educational governance and accountability. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology continues to promote innovation, including the adoption of digital learning and the Merdeka Belajar approach in response to the digital era and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Third: Reform of Islamic Religious Education in Indonesia
Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in Indonesia is also undergoing reform. It faces challenges in modernizing its curriculum, making subject matter more relevant, and improving the quality of educators. This reform focuses on two main areas: strengthening Islamic knowledge in a contextual and moderate way, and integrating Islamic values with the development of science and technology.
Islamic education institutions such as madrasahs and pesantrens have started to adopt quality-based management approaches and integrative curricula combining religious and general studies. In addition, openness to international education standards is becoming essential to produce graduates who excel not only spiritually but also possess global competencies.
