Strengthening Reform and Innovation in Islamic Education Management with an International Outlook

STRENGTHENING REFORM AND INNOVATION IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION MANAGEMENT WITH AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK**

By Zamzam Miraz Zamiat/MPI Student/Class E/1222010207/Semester 6/S1/UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung.

STRENGTHENING REFORM AND INNOVATION IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION MANAGEMENT WITH AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK**

This paper aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Strengthening Reform and Innovation in Islamic Education Management with an International Outlook. This study highlights the clash between the reality of an educational system still hampered by inequality and past policies, and the ideal vision of an empowering Islamic education capable of competing at the global level.

Baca juga: Rencana Itu Perlu Nggak Sih?

First, the fundamental issue that triggers educational reform is the inequality of access and quality, both globally and nationally. In the United States, this is evident in the differing opportunities between white and black students. In Indonesia, this problem clashes with past government policies, such as the Three Ministers' Joint Decree (SKB 3 Menteri) of 1976 and Law No. 2 of 1989, which are considered not entirely successful in creating equitable and empowering education. This social reality is not in line with societal values that aspire to justice and equality, thus creating obstacles for individuals to develop optimally.

Second, as individuals who thirst for knowledge, we cannot simply accept these hindering conditions. Ideally, education should be an effective and efficient process to achieve national goals, namely to empower individuals and society to be ready for the future. This ideal vision is in line with the spirit of Law No. 20 of 2003, which provides a stronger foundation for reform, especially for Islamic Religious Education. This ideal concept is concretized and reinforced by the teachings of Islam itself, as stated in the words of Allah SWT in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Mujadilah, verse 11: "...Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees." This verse affirms that elevating human status through knowledge is a certainty, making an empowering education system a necessity.

Third, to realize this ideal vision, a concrete and implementable reform model is needed, namely through the "Merdeka Belajar" (Freedom to Learn) Model. This model directly addresses existing problems. Its concept focuses on tapping into the potential of teachers and students to innovate, an antithesis to a rigid system. In terms of policy, this model reduces the administrative burden on teachers, which often hinders creativity. In practice, the role of the teacher is transformed into that of a facilitator, who no longer just transfers knowledge, but guides and prepares students to learn independently and relevantly to the challenges of the times.

In conclusion, the reform of Islamic education management with an international outlook is a necessity to respond to the challenges of inequality and policies that are no longer relevant. Based on the spirit of empowerment mandated by Law No. 20 of 2003 and the noble values of the Qur'an, the "Merdeka Belajar" model emerges as an innovative solution. By unleashing the potential of teachers and students and changing the learning paradigm, this model becomes a concrete path to creating a generation that is not only academically intelligent but also empowered and ready to compete on the international stage.

*) This article is summarized from the Teaching Materials for the International Islamic School Course Part-13 Strengthening Reform and Innovation in Islamic Education Management with an International Outlook. Lecturer Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, M. M.

Zamzam Miraz Zamiat, Born on September 8, 2002, is the second of three siblings from the couple Mr. Iyan Suryana and Mrs. Wiwin Mardiani. Current residential address at (ADDRESS). Cellphone No. 081292593938. Email: zmzmrzzmt@gmail.com. Education History: Elementary School/SDN 02 Gununghalu graduated in 2015, Junior High School/MTs Alqomiyah graduated in 2018, Senior High School/MA Alqomariyah graduated in 2021 and is now studying at the Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University Bandung majoring in Islamic Education Management.

Motto: You force me to keep bowing, but the decision stands ever straighter.