Policy Analysis of the Imtihan Wathani and Its Implications for the National Education System in Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRAK Pendidikan Diniyah Formal (PDF) memiliki peran strategis dalam mencetak ulama dan intelektual Islam, namun integrasinya ke dalam Sistem Pendidikan Nasional masih menghadapi tantangan, terutama terkait standardisasi hasil belajar dan pengakuan ijazah. Studi ini menganalisis secara mendalam proses perumusan dan implementasi kebijakan Imtihan Wathani (IW) sebagai Ujian Akhir Berstandar Nasional bagi PDF, serta menyoroti kontribusi spesifik IW sebagai instrumen strategis untuk mengatasi dualisme pendidikan nasional. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif studi kasus melalui wawancara, observasi, dan analisis dokumen pada Kementerian Agama, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa IW tidak hanya memperkuat legalitas ijazah PDF, tetapi juga menjadi mekanisme harmonisasi antara kurikulum keagamaan berbasis turats dan standar pendidikan nasional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, meskipun IW meningkatkan legitimasi dan kualitas tata kelola PDF, implementasinya masih terhambat oleh kesiapan infrastruktur, kompetensi SDM, serta ketimpangan sosialisasi antardaerah. Studi ini memberikan kontribusi empiris bagi pengembangan kebijakan dengan merekomendasikan perlunya penyempurnaan regulasi, pemerataan dukungan infrastruktur, dan penguatan kapasitas pelaksana sebagai arah kebijakan masa depan untuk memastikan IW lebih adaptif, inklusif, dan berkelanjutan. Kata Kunci: Kebijakan Pendidikan, Imtihan Wathani, Pendidikan Diniyah Formal, Sistem Pendidikan Nasional ABSTRACT : Formal Islamic Education (PDF) plays a strategic role in producing Islamic scholars and intellectuals, but its integration into the National Education System still faces challenges, particularly in relation to the standardization of learning outcomes and the recognition of certificates. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formulation and implementation of the Imtihan Wathani (IW) policy as a National Standardized Final Examination for PDF, highlighting the specific contribution of IW as a strategic instrument to overcome the dualism of national education. Using a qualitative case study approach through interviews, observations, and document analysis at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, this study found that IW not only strengthens the legality of PDF diplomas but also serves as a mechanism for harmonizing the turats-based religious curriculum and national education standards. The results of the study show that, although the IW improves the legitimacy and quality of PDF governance, its implementation is still hampered by infrastructure readiness, human resource competencies, and regional disparities in socialization. This study provides empirical contributions to policy development by recommending the need for regulatory improvements, equitable infrastructure support, and capacity building for implementers as future policy directions to ensure that IW is more adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable. Key words: Education Policy, Imtihan Wathani, Formal Diniyah Education, National Education System.