Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 4 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Wetland-Based Transformational Leadership in Building the Image and Competitiveness of Primary Schools

Diani Ayu Pratiwi (Doctoral Program in Educational Administration, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, 70113, Indonesia)
Aslamiah Aslamiah (Doctoral Program in Educational Administration, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, 70113, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Apr 2026

Abstract

Primary schools located in wetland areas face ecological, social, and public perception challenges that may affect their institutional image and competitiveness. This study aims to analyze how transformational leadership contextualized to wetland characteristics contributes to building school image and enhancing the competitiveness of primary schools. Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, the study was conducted at Madrasah Diniyah Islamiah Muhammadiyah Kindaung Banjarmasin, a school situated along a riverbank. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving the principal, teachers, parents, and community representatives. The findings indicate that wetland-based transformational leadership is implemented through a contextual vision, ecological role modelling, cultural values, school innovation strategies, and adaptive mentoring of school members. Such leadership plays a crucial role in shaping an authentic school image and strengthening public trust, which in turn contributes to enhanced institutional competitiveness. The study concludes that transformational leadership integrated with ecological contexts can transform environmental constraints into a distinctive identity and strategic advantage for primary schools.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...