Strategic Plan Implementation for Educational Quality Improvement in Balikpapan City: An Islamic Educational Management Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation of the Strategic Plan (Renstra) of the Department of Education and Culture of Balikpapan City using an Islamic educational management perspective. This qualitative study employed an exploratory case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the Head of the Program and Planning Team and through document analysis of relevant policy documents, including the RPJMD and Renstra. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the implementation of the Strategic Plan encompasses strategic planning, synchronization of national and regional education policies, digitalization of educational services, teacher competency development, monitoring and evaluation, and cross-sector collaboration. The implementation is supported by leadership commitment, data-based planning, and stakeholder coordination, while fiscal limitations, dependence on central government transfers, school land constraints, and the distribution of educational personnel remain challenges. From an Islamic educational management perspective, the implementation can be interpreted through the principles of amanah, justice (‘adl), ethical responsibility, and accountability in educational governance and resource management. Since the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is still in its initial stage of implementation, its long-term implications for educational quality cannot yet be fully determined