The Role of School Culture in the Implementation of Islamic Religious Education Based on Local Wisdom for Students' Character Development

Abstract

The implementation of a school culture grounded in local wisdom to foster the Islamic character of vocational high school students has received limited scholarly attention. This study aims to analyze the school's local culture and the factors that support or inhibit the internalization of Islamic values within the school environment. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed at Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Swasta Babunnajah Pandeglang. Data were collected through observations, interviews, documentation, and interactive data analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of school culture. The findings reveal that school culture plays a significant role in implementing Islamic Religious Education based on local wisdom to develop students' character. This is reflected in teachers welcoming students at the school gate every morning with smiles, greetings, and courteous behavior that embody respect. Students also consistently participate in religious activities, such as collective prayers and the cultivation of punctuality and discipline. Furthermore, socio-religious values are manifested through mutual cooperation (gotong royong), togetherness, respect for local traditions, and the integration of local values into classroom instruction and extracurricular activities. Teachers also serve as direct role models in practicing these values. Conclusion: A school culture grounded in local wisdom is effective in developing students' Islamic character through habituation, exemplary behavior, and the internalization of religious values. This study contributes by proposing a model for implementing school culture based on local wisdom to sustainably strengthen students' Islamic character.