The emergence of Generative AI (Gen-AI) necessitates a repositioning of the principal’s role from that of an administrative manager to a visionary instructional leader. This study aims to analyze instructional leadership strategies for integrating Gen-AI into the Merdeka Curriculum through a Deep Learning approach. The study focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the Tewaowutung region, Lembata Regency. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design. Research subjects were selected through purposive sampling, including school principals, teachers, and school supervisors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and analysis of curriculum documents and school policies, then analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model with triangulation and member checking techniques to ensure data validity. The findings of this study formulate a leadership model focused on teacher capacity development, adaptation to infrastructure limitations, and strengthening digital literacy based on local values. The integration of AI is expected not only to improve administrative efficiency but also to stimulate students’ higher-order thinking through the 6C framework (Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking). Overall, adaptive and contextual instructional leadership strategies have proven capable of optimizing the integration of Gen-AI into learning even in resource-constrained regions.