Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks
Perwakilan Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks is an international interdisciplinary scientific journal of good governance, diplomacy, customary institutionalization and social networks. It provides a common forum to share an interest in relevant topics. The ultimate objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge and strengthen the theoretical base for supporting ecosystems and practices... About journal • insight • editorial team • APC • indexing
The Impact of Islamic Philanthropic Mechanisms on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Resilience in the Wake of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria
This study examine the influence of Islamic philanthropic mechanisms, specifically Zakat and Waqf, on poverty reduction and economic resilience in Nigeria after fuel subsidies were removed. The elimination of fuel subsidies as part of fiscal reform measures has dramatically raised the cost of living and exacerbated socioeconomic vulnerabilities among low-income households. In this framework, Islamic social finance tools provide a faith-based, community-driven approach to social security and economic stability. The research critically investigates how Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Waqf (charitable endowment) work as redistributive and developmental instruments to alleviate economic distress and enhance household resilience. The study examines current developments in Islamic philanthropy in Nigeria using qualitative data from scholarly literature, policy papers, media stories, and institutional records, as well as its responsiveness to post-subsidy economic constraints. According to the findings, Islamic philanthropic institutions function as supplementary social safety nets by giving immediate relief, promoting income-generating activities, and fostering long-term communal growth. However, difficulties like as institutional coordination, transparency, and scalability restrict their usefulness. The study suggests that enhancing governance frameworks and incorporating Islamic charity into broader socioeconomic policies could increase its effectiveness in promoting poverty reduction and economic resilience in modern Nigeria.
Copyright (c) 2025 Usman Jibril Mikail, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Bala Babangida, Abdulkareem Ahmad Tijjani, Maryam Adam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Waqf as an Instrument of Islamic Governance: Advancing Social Justice, Conflict Resolution, and Sustainable Human Development
Waqf has been among the most stable institutions in Islamic civilization, used in funding diverse services such as education, health care, social assistance, and public services and administration throughout Muslim societies. Despite this rich legacy, scholarship to date has primarily analyzed Waqf from legal, historical, and financial perspectives, with relatively little emphasis on the role of waqf as a form of governance and a tool for achieving sustainable public policy. This article conceptualizes Waqf as a tool for Islamic governance that can be leveraged to advance social justice, support conflict prevention processes, and achieve sustainable human development. Using a qualitative conceptual research design through an integrative review of literature, the study integrates Classical Islamic Political thought, maqasid al-Shariah, Institutional Governance theory, social capital theory, and Sustainable Development discourse into a multidimensional framework of analysis. This yields the Waqf Governance for Sustainable Development (WGSD) Framework. The study demonstrates how ethically governed waqf institutions can operationalize Islamic governance principles into demonstrable outcomes on human development through investments in such areas as education, health care, entrepreneurship, environment conservation, legal services, social security and community mediation. By reframing waqf from a philanthropic endeavor to a governance institution that complements existing states institutions, while addressing issues of social justice, equity, participation and public benefit, the article provides a new dimension to the waqf literature. The study concludes that reforming waqf governance, professionally managing it, leveraging new technologies and integrating waqf policy into broader public policy creates a potent mechanism for inclusive and sustainable development and lasting peace in Muslim societies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaaban Idris Abdallah, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Ismail Iliyasu Danladi, Abdullah A. Afifi, Ibrahim Isa Bello, Bilyaminu Yusuf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
From Political Philosophy to Peace Architecture: Revitalizing Waqf within Islamic Political Thought for Community Security and Conflict Transformation
In view of the chronic growth of conflicts, community insecurities, political instabilities, forced displacement, and socioeconomic inequalities in most Muslim societies, there has been a growing interest among academia and policymakers on the capabilities of indigenous governance institutions for sustainable peace and inclusive development. Despite the preponderance of state-centered approaches, liberal peace approaches, and humanitarian interventions in current peacebuilding agendas, much less attention has been paid to the constructive role of Islamic endowment (waqf) institutions as sustainable community security mechanisms and conflict resolution tools. Historically, waqf institution served not only as an institution for public charities but as one of the most robust institutions of Islamic political governance, which financially supports the implementation of policies aimed at developing education, health facilities, administration of justice, construction of public amenities, poverty alleviation, and social welfare thus contributing to social harmony and political stability. However, the waqf governance and conflict transformation functions remain understudied by the contemporary scholarship. This paper presents a conceptual framework that recontextualizes the role of waqf in the broader stream of Islamic political philosophy as an adaptive device in constructing lasting peace architecture. It employs a qualitative conceptual research design drawing from Islamic concepts of Siyasah Shar’iyyah, Maqasid al-Shariah, institution governance theory, and conflict transformation theory to explore this question based on a thorough review and synthesis of classical Islamic jurisprudence, modern scholarly works, and international policy documents. It finds out that Waqf has a great potential institutional capacity to address root causes of conflicts in a peaceful manner through equity-based wealth redistribution, social development, social protection, economic empowerment, mediation, and inclusive governance. The study presents a new model namely: Waqf Peace Architecture Framework (WPAF) that integratively links Islamic political philosophy and modern peace building strategy. It argues that reconstituting waqf as a governance institution rather than just as a charitable institution can foster community resilience, address social inequity, promote social trust and build up social capacity that transforms conflicts sustainably. The research ends with proposing recommendations for comprehensive policy reforms, institutional restructuring, and capacity development initiatives including institutional innovations and Waqf 2.0 in order to bring waqf institution into the current global peace architecture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ibrahim Isa Bello, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Abdullah A Afifi, Shaaban Idris Abdallah, Bilyaminu Yusuf, Murjanatu Yusuf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
From Welfare to Human Flourishing: Maqasid al-Shariah as the Nexus of Islamic Social Finance, Da'wah, and Sustainable Development
In recent years, there has been increased interest in the fields of Islamic Social Finance (ISF) and Sustainable Development. However, these fields have been considered separately, lacking an integrated approach that emphasizes the role of Da'wah as a tool for transformative change for the ethical and social betterment of society. Such fragmentation ignores the broader perspective of Maqasid al-Shariah which aspires not only for material progress, but also for the moral, social and complete human flourishing (falah). This article aims to utilize the Maqasid al-Shariah framework as the normative and strategic tool which integrates Islamic Social Finance, Da'wah, and Sustainable Development as a unified model for development. Adopting a qualitative doctrinal methodology utilizing thematic analysis of the Qur’an, Sunnah, classic juristic and contemporary literatures, this study analyzes how zakah, waqf, sadaqah, qard al-hasan, Da'wah institutions and sustainable development practices play complementary roles in achieving Maqasid al-Shariah. This study argued that Islamic Social Finance should not be understood merely as poverty alleviation but rather as a catalyst for change which works alongside Da’wah as interconnected mechanisms for enhancing human dignity, social justice, ethical reform and social well-being for human beings and the protection of the environment for future generation. The Maqasid-based conceptual framework of Islamic development is presented for policy makers to govern and manage institution towards preserving and protecting: the religion, the life, the intellect, the lineage, the wealth, the dignity, the justice, and the environment. The paper conclude that an integration of ethical transformation and Islamic social Finance under the canopy of the Maqasid al-Shariah, would represent a more holistic approach to sustainable development than models solely focused on economic progress, and thus contributing to the ongoing debate on the Islamic development theory and practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Murjanatu Yusuf, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Yusuf Isa Sawaba, Maryam Babani Muhammad, Isma’il Iliyasu Danladi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Rebuilding Communities through Waqf: Restoring Ethical Values and Social Cohesion in Contemporary Muslim Societies
In the context of present-day challenges in the Muslim world such as erosion of social cohesion, growing moral decay, loss of public confidence, family disruption, disengagement among youth, and widening socio-economic disparities, while much attention has been focused on waqf as an institution to fight poverty, expand education, promote healthcare, and economic empowerment, relatively little work has been done on its function as a civilizational vehicle to reinstate morality and rekindle social bonds. This article, therefore, puts forward an argument for viewing the waqf not as just a pious endowment but as a resilient institutional form that can serve to restore the ethical values and rebuild social solidarity in Muslim communities. Through an extensive library research of classical literature on Islamic history of waqf, and its contemporary research on Maqasid al-Shariah, social capital, community building, etc, this study establishes that waqf has throughout Islamic history been utilized to enhance education, strengthen families, build trust among the general public, reinforce a sense of citizenship, preserve the environment, strengthen collective identity, etc, beyond mere economic well-being. The article then outlines a Value-Centred Waqf Framework to position waqf as a multi-dimensional tool for reinculcating values, rekindling social ties, enhancing public service, and contributing to sustainable development of Muslim communities. Ultimately, this article concludes that a regeneration of waqf by its higher objectives in the Shariah provides a viable practical approach for strengthening Muslim communities from the bottom-up so they can better navigate the social challenges they face in the current global era.
Copyright (c) 2026 Isma’il Iliyasu Danladi, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Yusuf Isa Sawaba, Murjanatu Yusuf, Maryam Babani Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Community-Based Tourism and Waqf: Measuring Social Impact and Socio-Economic Transformation
Community-based tourism is increasingly considered as a new engine for sustainable development; However the sustainability of community based tourism relies on the effectiveness of funding, the good governance and the active involvement of local community. This paper examines the role of Waqf (Islamic endowment) in sustainable community-based tourism and aims to quantify the contributions of Waqf in poverty alleviation, education and capacity building, social cohesion among the communities of the destinations, etc. Using various sources from Islamic finance, tourism sustainability and socio-economic development literature, the paper integrates and synthesizes available case studies and empirical data for showing the role of Waqf in establishing community-based tourism sustainable livelihoods while promoting responsible behavior and involvement of all the stakeholders involved. The paper will then address issues on the governance of Waqf in tourism related activities, its transparency, mechanisms of benefit distribution. Ultimately the study can then prove that community-based tourism through Waqf is a major engine for the socio-economic development, local communities’ empowerment while preserving cultural and environment heritage of the destinations, as well as a powerful device for connecting the logic of moral economy to modern business practices. The research recommend here ways to strengthen Waqf contributions in sustainable development and we position Waqf not as a source of money, but as a catalyst for holistic community empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Abubakar Sadiq Magaji, Iklima Abubakar Shariff, Bala Babangida https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Waqf, Shared Value and the Rise of Society Governance
This article advances the argument that waqf (Islamic endowment) constitutes a foundational model of society governance, in which communities institutionalize moral responsibility into durable public capacity. Rather than viewing waqf solely as a charitable or financial instrument, the study conceptualizes it as a governance architecture that enables societies to mobilize, preserve, and deploy resources for collective welfare independent of fluctuating political regimes. Through a narrative-historical analysis, the article traces waqf’s evolution from the Prophetic model of trust-based stewardship and the institutional consolidation under the early caliphs, to its resilience during dynastic centralization, its fiscal institutionalization in the Ottoman period, and its contemporary transformation within modern regulatory frameworks. Central to the analysis is the proposition that waqf embodies an early and enduring form of shared value creation. By preserving endowed capital while continuously generating social returns, waqf integrates economic sustainability with public benefit. This dual function positions waqf as a bridge between moral economy and modern governance theory, aligning closely with contemporary debates on stakeholder capitalism, sustainable development, and civil society resilience. The article further argues that waqf is more than its challenges. While issues of governance reform, transparency, and asset optimization remain significant, these represent transitional adjustments rather than structural weaknesses. Properly institutionalized, waqf strengthens community autonomy, enhances accountability through trusteeship, and sustains intergenerational responsibility. In an era marked by fiscal strain and institutional distrust, waqf offers a society-centered governance paradigm capable of generating shared value and reinforcing collective capacity beyond the limits of state and market mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah A Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Reinterpreting Waqf in Light of Contemporary Socio-Economic Realities
Waqf (Islamic endowment) has historically been a key driver of socioeconomic development in Muslim cultures, funding education, healthcare, social welfare, and public infrastructure. However, conventional waqf administration and utilization strategies have struggled to adequately address modern socioeconomic concerns like as poverty, unemployment, urbanization, financial isolation, and inadequate institutional governance. This research investigates the importance of reinterpreting waqf within the context of present socioeconomic realities while maintaining true to its classical juristic roots. The study uses a qualitative and analytical approach on Qur'anic principles, Prophetic traditions, classical fiqh literature, and modern Islamic finance scholarship to explore how waqf can be revitalized through innovative instruments, institutional reforms, and integration with modern economic systems. The research advocates for a maq??id al-shar??ah-oriented reinterpretation of waqf, which provides for greater flexibility in asset management, investment strategies, and governance structures while maintaining its perpetual and benevolent nature. The findings demonstrate the ability of contemporary waqf models such as cash waqf, corporate waqf, waqf-based social finance, and public-private partnerships to satisfy current developmental requirements in a sustainable manner. The research concludes that reinterpreting waqf in light of current socioeconomic conditions is not a departure from Islamic tradition, but rather a necessary evolution that can reposition waqf as a dynamic tool for inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development in today's Muslim world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shafa'at Ahmad Aliyu, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Adam Muhammad Ardo, Maryam Adam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Moral Economy and Islamic Ethics: Re-examining Waqf in the Context of Modern Capitalism
This study investigates the relevance, transformation, and potential revival of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a foundation for moral economy and Islamic ethics in the context of modern capitalism. While traditional Islamic moral economics focuses on equitable wealth distribution and social welfare, current capitalist institutions frequently favor profit maximization, financialization, and market efficiency. This study looks critically at how waqf has historically reduced socioeconomic gaps and how its ideas might be used in modern economic systems to alleviate poverty, social exclusion, and market failures. The paper proposes a normative framework for incorporating waqf into ethical economic strategies that reconcile moral imperatives with capitalist realities, based on doctrinal analysis of Islamic legal texts, a review of contemporary scholarship on moral economy theory, and case studies of modern waqf initiatives. The findings suggest that waqf can serve as a long-term tool for community investment, social safety nets, and value-based economic resilience if legal reform, governance innovation, and ethical institutional frameworks are achieved. The article concludes by advocating policy and institutional options for reviving waqf within global economic systems while maintaining Islamic ethical integrity and modern market efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Shafa'at Ahmad Aliyu, Ikilima Abubakar Shariff, Rabi Shehu Dalhatu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Humanitarian and Beyond States Diplomacy: Society as an Emerging Global Actor
The evolution of global interaction in the 21st century reveals a widening gap between the complexity of contemporary crises and the capacity of traditional political diplomacy to address them. Geopolitical rivalries, institutional stagnation, and resource-extractive economic models have created a climate of diplomatic fatigue, where state-centered responses often fall short of delivering timely or humane solutions. Within this vacuum, civil society has emerged as a dynamic and influential actor capable of reshaping global engagement. Humanitarian organizations, volunteer networks, faith-based groups, and transnational advocacy coalitions now mobilize across borders to address urgent human needs, challenge injustices, and promote shared ethical norms. This paper conceptualizes “humanitarian and beyond-states diplomacy” as an alternative paradigm in which diplomatic influence is exercised not only through formal institutions but through societal initiative, moral persuasion, and collective action. It examines how civil society has moved from the periphery to the center of global affairs by negotiating humanitarian access, advocating for vulnerable populations, and generating new norms of solidarity and responsibility. Rather than operating within the limits of state sovereignty or economic interest, these actors draw legitimacy from empathy, global citizenship, and the moral urgency of human protection. The study argues that humanitarian diplomacy from below offers a transformative approach to international cooperation, one capable of renewing compassion, rebuilding trust, and addressing crises that have outpaced traditional diplomatic mechanisms. By analyzing this shift, the paper underscores the rising significance of society as an emerging global actor and highlights the potential of humanitarian engagement to redefine the future of diplomacy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah A Afifi; Syarif Al-Hadrami, Mona Eliza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Exploring the Nexus between Islamic Household Management Principles and Home-Based Women Enterprises in Northern Nigeria
This study looks into how women-led home-based businesses in Northern Nigeria operate in regard to Islamic household management concepts. In particular, it looks at how female entrepreneurs incorporate important Islamic principles like ?adl (justice), i?tid?l/?isr?f avoidance (moderation), and barakah (blessing) into their household and microbusiness management. In many Northern Nigerian villages, women are increasingly working in small-scale jobs including food processing, crafts, and tailoring to help support their families. While Islamic teachings provide a thorough framework for striking a balance between economic endeavours and household responsibilities, little empirical study has examined how women who own micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) really implement these concepts in their dual roles. In Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna States, a purposive sample of twenty women running home-based MSMEs in a variety of trades participated in a qualitative multiple-case research. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and the examination of personal and professional documents were used to gather data. To find trends in the distribution of profits, time management, resource allocation, and social duties, thematic analysis was used. The results show that women entrepreneurs' daily choices are greatly influenced by Islamic values. Participants established shared-storage practices in line with Islamic moderation, prioritized halal sourcing, and reduced waste through group purchases. Maintaining balance between work, religion, and childcare was made easier by planning work schedules around daily prayers. With a methodical allocation to home needs, business reinvestment, zakat responsibilities, and voluntary charity, profit distribution techniques also mirrored Islamic standards of fairness. The study comes to the conclusion that Islamic household management concepts offer a useful moral and practical framework that improves the long-term viability of women-owned businesses. In Northern Nigeria, strengthening these practices through women-focused support programs, faith-based business training, and community microfinance can further foster local economic development and family resilience.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Adam Muhammad Ardo, Rabi Shehu Dalhatu, Hashimu Abdullahi, Salisu Abba Zaki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Restoring Humanity Through Environmental Ethics: A Moral Solution to Human Negligence Towards Nature
Human greed, carelessness, and a lack of moral concern for other living things have undermined the vital connection that exists between humans and the environment. Pollution, deforestation, and careless garbage disposal are just a few examples of how far society has strayed from its moral obligation to protect the environment. The goal of this study is to investigate how moral and ethical principles can be applied to rectify environmentally harmful human attitudes. The study's primary goal is to advance environmental ethics as a means of resurrecting human empathy and accountability for all living things. Using a qualitative approach, books, journal articles, passages from the Qur'an, and prophetic traditions emphasizing moral behaviour and earth stewardship were reviewed. Results show that environmental degradation is not just a physical problem but also a moral one brought on by ignorance, greed, and a lack of empathy. According to the study, people are more inclined to preserve and defend the environment when they see it through the prism of humanity and divine trust. Therefore, the work suggests that public awareness campaigns be used to support the inclusion of environmental ethics in moral and religious education at all levels. It suggests that people, educators, and religious organizations collaborate to create a culture of environmental responsibility and compassion for all living things, concluding that true humanity is reflected in genuine care for the environment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yakubu Zulaihat Mohammed, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Salisu Abba Zaki, Hashimu Abdullahi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools
The digital leadership of school principals plays a crucial role in strengthening the learning ecosystem in the era of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in primary schools that are adapting to the use of educational technology. The Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility, project-based learning, and the use of digital tools to support more independent and meaningful learning processes. In this context, school principals act as digital leaders who not only manage schools but also guide the technological vision, enhance teacher competencies, and foster an innovative and responsive school culture in line with digital developments.This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach through surveys conducted with 120 primary school teachers across three districts/cities. The findings revealed three key results. First, 78% of teachers reported an improvement in their competency in using learning applications following the implementation of digital leadership policies by school principals. Second, 72% of schools reported increased collaboration between teachers and parents through school digital platforms, which positively impacted student engagement in learning. Third, 81% of principals utilized digital data (learning dashboards, online assessments, and daily reports) for faster decision-making regarding students’ learning needs. These findings reinforce that digital leadership significantly contributes to the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and creates a learning ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century education.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yulia Septi Wahyuni, Raisa Berlian, Yesika Novita Rahmi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future: A Religious Ethical Perspective
Everyone agrees that education is essential to both personal advancement and society change. The objective of sustainable development is threatened in the twenty-first century by a number of interrelated issues that the world community must deal with, including inequality, ecological degradation, moral decay, and technological disruption. In order to create a sustainable future, this paper investigates how religion, as a source of ethical and spiritual knowledge, might revolutionize education. The study combines UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goal with religious ethical frameworks using a qualitative and conceptual methodology. The results show that the moral underpinnings required to shift education towards sustainability are provided by faith-based values, such as stewardship, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. The study focusses on case studies from indigenous, Christian, and Islamic traditions that effectively connect religious principles with social and environmental responsibility. In order to achieve the aims of global sustainability, it calls for greater cooperation between governments, faith-based organizations, and educators. It concludes that a spiritually orientated education fosters societal harmony and comprehensive human development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Rabi Shehu Dalhatu, Adam Muhammad Ardo, Ikilima Abubakar Shariff, Yakubu Zulaihat Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Political Dimension of Prophethood on Civilizing the Moral Ethics, Justice, and Class Reform
This paper highlights the political dimension of Muhammad’s Prophethood as a comprehensive civilizational project aimed at improving moral ethics, justice, and class reform in the framework of society leadership and governance. Using a conceptual–narrative approach that draws from classical Islamic historiography (Sirah Nabawiyah) and modern interpretive context, the study situates the Prophet’s mission as both a spiritual awakening and a political transformation grounded in tauhid (divine unity). The research argues that the Prophet redefined politics as an ethical mission, transforming it from an arena of domination into a means of cultivating justice and moral consciousness. The Meccan phase illustrates moral resistance and class awakening, where faith became a force of ethical protest against social oppression. The Hijrah to Medina marked a transition from moral resistance to institutional civilization, establishing the Charter of Medina as one of the earliest constitutional models of pluralistic justice. Within the Madinan foundation, the Prophet institutionalized justice, social economy instruments of moral ethics governance, creating a balance between spirituality, law, and civic duty. The study concludes that Prophet Muhammad’s leadership civilized politics by linking power to moral purpose and embedding ethics in governance, economy, and society. His vision of a madani (civilized) community presents an enduring model of ethical statecraft where human dignity, equality, and compassion guide public order. This synthesis of faith and justice demonstrates that the foundation of Islamic civilization is moral ethics based, not material, anchored in the pursuit of righteousness, social welfare, and universal peace.
Copyright (c) 2025 Afifi Fauzi Abbas, Abdullah A Afifi, Mona Eliza, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
One Roof Integrated Six-Year Secondary High School in Indonesia: A Proposal for Efficiency and Quality Improvement
Indonesia’s secondary education system is currently divided into two distinct stages: junior and senior high school. While this structure aligns with traditional education policy frameworks, it has shown inefficiency in addressing Indonesia’s education vision, geographic diversity, resource limitations, and quality disparities, particularly in rural and remote areas. This article proposes the integration into a unified six-year secondary school model as a solution to systemic inefficiencies and quality concerns. By analyzing educational statistics, policy documents, and international best practices, this paper outlines the potential of integrated secondary schools to reduce operational fragmentation, optimize teacher deployment, and strengthen curriculum continuity. Drawing from a qualitative document analysis approach, the article references data from the government records and relevant international practices from other countries. The articles also provide the case study made in Perguruan Darulfunun Payakumbuh. The discussion highlights how school mergers can maximize infrastructure utilization, reduce student retention, optimize teacher allocation, relieve costs, and enrich student learning. Key challenges identified include legal and administrative adjustments, resistance from local stakeholders, and the need for professional teacher realignment. This integrated model aligns with the national compulsory education mandate, ensuring a smoother transition between lower and upper secondary education. The article concludes by recommending phased policy reform and pilot programs to explore the feasibility and scalability in diverse regional contexts across Indonesia.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah A Afifi, Mona Eliza, Nor Anisa Arifin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
How Indonesia Should Go Further with Decentralization: Revisiting the Views and the Visions
Indonesia’s vast geography and cultural diversity pose long-standing challenges to the centralized governance systems. Following the collapse of the New Order regime in 1998, the country embarked on an ambitious decentralization campaign, transferring authority and resources from the central government to local governments through Laws No. 22 and 25 of 1999. Despite the progress made, recent trends suggest a drift back toward recentralization and inefficiencies in subnational governance. This article investigates how Indonesia should move forward with a deeper and more coherent decentralization policy, drawing insights from the ideas of key early independence-era thinkers, as well as the reform era. Using a qualitative historical-interpretive approach, the study analyzes political writings, speeches, and conceptual contributions of late figures, framed alongside policy and governance developments in post-Reformasi Indonesia. The findings reveal that decentralization was not merely an administrative concern but a philosophical and moral imperative for these thinkers. Hatta promoted village autonomy; Sjahrir advocated democratic pluralism; Malaka emphasized grassroots empowerment, while the reformists underscored decentralization as a pillar of democratic resilience. The study concludes that Indonesia’s decentralization project must go beyond partial devolution. It should embody the ethical and participatory principles rooted in the country's intellectual tradition that work towards strengthening local democracy, fiscal independence, regional capability, and innovation. Reviving these foundational visions is vital to ensuring that decentralization serves not just efficiency, but also the quality of justice, inclusivity, prosperity, and national diversity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah A Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Reconstructing the Concept of Bela Negara: From Excessive Jargon to an Empirical Civic-based Approach
The term bela negara (BN) has been widely used in Indonesian national discourse, often associated with state-led campaigns, ideological ceremonies, and symbolic narratives. However, its application has increasingly shown symptoms of conceptual excessivism, overused, abstract, and disconnected from everyday civic life. This article aims to reconstruct BN into a measurable and meaningful framework through an empirical, civic-based approach. By adapting behavioral and marketing evaluation models, such as customer satisfaction index (CSI), servqual, and theory of planned behavior, this paper proposes the model partisipasi bela negara (MPBN). The model offers six key dimensions: public awareness, perceived relevance, emotional engagement, civic intention, real action, and loyalty to the national narrative. These dimensions enable both scholars and policymakers to assess the effectiveness of BN initiatives based on citizen experience and engagement. The model serves as a strategic tool for transforming BN concept into a participatory, democratic, and context-sensitive concept, particularly relevant in today’s digital and pluralistic society. Rather than functioning as a rigid ideological imposition, BN should evolve into an inclusive civic identity that empowers public participation and strengthens national cohesion through trust, value, and meaningful contribution.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah A Afifi, Andriyaldi, Hanief Adrian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Islamic Moral Ethics: The Foundations for Good Governance, Management, and Civilizational Advancement
Islamic moral ethics, in essence, are not something new in Islamic knowledge. Many classical books mention the components that give advancement in governance, like Madinat al-Fadhilah by al-Farabi, Siyar al-Muluk by Nizam al-Mulk, Muqaddimah by Ibn Khaldun, al-Ahkam al-Sulthaniyah by al-Mawardi, Siraj al-Muluk by al-Turtushi, as-Siyasah al-Shariyyah by Ibn Taymiyah, Nasihat al-Mulk by al-Ghazali and many more. This article explores Islamic moral ethics as foundational pillars and their roles in shaping effective governance, ethical management, and the advancement of civilization. Islamic moral ethics need to be highlighted to answer the needs of today's modern governance and to be more just, compassionate, and wise for the benefit of the people. Drawing from core Islamic values such as justice ('adl), trust (amanah), compassion (rahmah), social welfare (maslahah), and collective wisdom (hikmah), the study demonstrates how these principles not only guide individual conduct but also inform institutional structures and advancement. Integrating Islamic moral ethics into governance ensures transparency, accountability, and public welfare. At the same time, it promotes fairness, responsibility, and inclusive decision-making in management. The article further compares Islamic values with modern governance and management, revealing strong areas of convergence and unique contributions. The study affirms that embedding Islamic moral ethics into contemporary governance and management frameworks can foster sustainable development, institutional trust, and long-term civilizational progress in an increasingly complex global environment.
Islamic Worldview and Muhammadiyah's Moderate Approach: From the Dynamics of the School of Religion and the Progress of Manhaj
This article discusses the Islamic worldview and Muhammadiyah's moderation approach by highlighting the dynamics of mazhab and the progress of manhaj in Muhammadiyah Islamic thought. The discussion begins with an exploration of Muhammadiyah's religious insight which is rooted in the principles of tauhid, ijtihad, and tajdid. Furthermore, the development of Islamic thought in Muhammadiyah is studied through a scientific and contextual approach to understanding texts and social realities. Muhammadiyah's Manhaj Tarjih becomes the methodological basis for making moderate religious decisions oriented towards people's benefit. Finally, the concept of progressive moderation is associated with the development of an Islamic worldview that is balanced between spirituality and modernity. Through this approach, Muhammadiyah not only maintains the purity of Islamic teachings but also contributes to building an inclusive and progressive civilization. This article emphasizes that Muhammadiyah's progressive moderation attitude is relevant in facing contemporary challenges.
Copyright (c) 2024 Afifi Fauzi Abbas, Mona Eliza, Abdullah A Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0