Social Transformation of ‘Aisyiyah through Educational Institutions in Palembang City

Abstract

Education is a strategic means of encouraging structural and cultural change in society. This study traces the historical characteristics ‘Aisyiyah educational institutions in Palembang, examines their role in social transformation, and identifies the forms of transformation emerging through these institutions. The research employed a qualitative approach using a historical method. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with eight informants representing ‘Aisyiyah administrators, teachers, alumni, and education figures, while secondary data consisted of institutional statistics, accreditation status, and other supporting documents. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman interactive model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The findings indicate that the historical development of ‘Aisyiyah education is marked by religiosity, politeness, social concern, independence, cooperation, social roles, change, and consistency. Transformative roles are found at both individual and institutional levels through alumni participation in formal and informal organizations and through the strengthening of organizational enterprises. The clearest form is institutional transformation, demonstrated by improved accreditation, changes in institutional status, and governance renewal, alongside personal transformation through social and health initiatives. Although public image and institutional capacity have improved, the transformative contribution remains less than optimal because institutional quality is uneven, human-resource readiness is limited, and leadership capacity differs across levels. Strengthening quality, teacher cadre development, leadership, and technology utilization is therefore necessary to reinforce ‘Aisyiyah education as an effective agent of social transformation in Palembang