Managing Quality for Muslim Middle-Class Expectations: A Tqm-Informed Study of a Leading Islamic School in Indonesia

Mukhtar Hadi (Universitas Islam Negeri Jurai Siwo Lampung)
Tubagus Ali Rachman Puja Kesuma (Universitas Islam Negeri Jurai Siwo Lampung)

Qudus International Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol 13, No 1 (2025)

The development of leading Islamic schools in Indonesia cannot be separated from the growth of the large Muslim middle class, particularly in urban areas. The increasing economic capacity of the Muslim middle class, coupled with strong religious awareness, has led to numerous demands and expectations in the field of education. Therefore, in relation to the current trend, this study aims to determine the expectations of the Muslim middle class regarding the quality management of leading Islamic schools, as well as how their curricula and services are administered. The expectation of school quality is realized through Total Quality Management (TQM), a management system that involves all human resources within the school environment to enhance both the quality of education and the outcome of graduates. The research was conducted in the Islamic Junior High School (SMP) of Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan, a leading Islamic school in Metro City that implements four effective, internationally standardized curricula. This research employed a qualitative approach with a narrative inquiry method. Data were collected using interviews, observation, and documentation. The primary data sources included the principal, vice-principal, teachers, and students. Secondary data sources included guardians or parents of students, as well as educational stakeholders. The collected data were then analyzed using an inductive approach. Based on the research process and data analysis, the findings of this study indicate that: (1) The Muslim middle class has high expectations for Islamic educational institutions in integrated quality management, particularly in improving religious learning, providing high and competitive academic quality, and developing students’ Islamic character and morals. (2) Quality educational institutions also require up-to-date facilities and infrastructure, competent and professional teachers, a comfortable school environment, and stakeholder involvement. (3) In pursuit of its objectives, the school implements integrated quality management through the application of an internationally standardized curriculum based on Islamic values, sustainable human resource management, a transparent and accountable financial system, and the provision of representative learning facilities and infrastructure.