Muslim Education Review
type: channel
description: Muslim Education Review is an international journal published by the Education Faculty of Indonesian International Islamic University, Indonesia. It focuses on concepts, practices, and policies of education in the Muslim world. The journal addresses a wide range of issues concerning curriculum, teaching and learning; educational policy, management and leadership; educational assessment and evaluation; and education and society. Editors welcome scholars, researchers and practitioners around the world to submit scholarly articles to be published through this journal. All articles will be reviewed by experts before accepted for publication. Each author is solely responsible for the content of published articles. Muslim Education Review has become a CrossRef Member since year 2022. Therefore, all articles published by Muslim Education Review will have unique DOI number. P-ISSN: 2829-1867 E-ISSN: 2962-6463
publisher: UIII Press
language: en
publication name: Muslim Education Review
issn: 2829-1867
items: EFL Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Competence in Indonesian Madrasahs: A Post-Pandemic Analysis
items: The Contributing Dimensions and Elements of Maqasid Sharia to the Well-Being in Pesantren
items: Examining the Roles of Education Civil Society Organizations in Supporting Tertiary Enrollment in Indonesia: A Case Study of the Suryanara Foundation
items: Role of Head Teachers in Sustaining Academic Continuity Amidst Smog in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
items: Education as a Catalyst: School-Based Strategies to Prevent Child Marriage in Lombok, Indonesia
items: Preface
items: Designing assessment for inclusion: How does culture fit in?
items: The Role of School Climate Perception on Teaching Efficacy with Special Needs Children : Examining Teachers' Perspective in Kota Depok
items: Exploring the Meaning of the Secret Book of Bainal Haq as a Literature Learning: A Study of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Philosophy of Language
items: Understanding School-Based Interpersonal Relationships: the Case of Morning Greetings in a Thai-Muslim School Context
items: Storytelling and Creative Writing: Critical Literacy Practices in a Community Learning Center in Central Java
items: Implementing Religious Moderation Values at Islamic Schools in Indonesia
items: Effective Strategies to Ensure Teachers’ Psychological Well-Being Amid Social Crisis: A Lesson from COVID-19 Pandemic
items: Not Only One But Many: How is the Islamic Educational Contest Shaping Indonesian Muslim Profiles?
items: Representation of Sexual Harassment Victims in English-based Indonesian Online News: A Critical Discourse Analysis
items: Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through Utilizing Islamic Antidotes
items: From Traditionality to Modernity: How the Ma’had Aly Contributes to Muslim Society in Indonesia
items: Learning Beyond Borders: The Teaching of English for Refugees in Jakarta Learning Centers During COVID-19
items: Generation Z’s Attitudes and Expectations in the Workplace and Their Implications for Education Policy in Indonesia
items: Exploring the Relationship between Safe Learning Environments and Literacy Skills in Majority Muslim Southeast Asian Nations: Insights from PISA 2022
items: Empowered Learners in a Digital Age: The Critical Nexus of Engagement, Agency, Interest, and Motivation
items: Understanding The Complexities of Teaching Marginalized Groups And Promoting Inclusive Education in Masjid Terminal School: Teachers’ Perspective
items: A Literature Review Study of the Role of Family Education in Minimizing Klitih Crime and Moral Decadence in Yogyakarta
items: Do Teachers’ Beliefs in the Rationale for Learning and teaching Arabic Support the Intended Specific Purpose?
items: Postmodernism Challenges for Muslim Schools and Universities in Malaysia: The Role of AI Pedagogical Integration into Islamic Education
items: Scholarly Discourse on Equity, Inclusion, and Education by Scholars in Indonesia: A Bibliometric and Science Mapping Analysis
items: The Challenges and Opportunities of Underprivileged Urbanized People in Accessing Education: A Case Study in Depok City
items: Gender Representation in Education: Evidence from English National Tests in Indonesia

EFL Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Competence in Indonesian Madrasahs: A Post-Pandemic Analysis
type: item
description: This study explores the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) competence of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Indonesian madrasa during the post-pandemic era. Using a descriptive qualitative design, data were gathered from ten English teachers across five provinces (Banda Aceh, Bengkulu, Salatiga, Palangkaraya and Kendari) through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and field notes. Data were analyzed thematically through coding, categorization and interpretation aligned with TPACK dimensions. Findings reveal that teachers at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) and Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MT) levels generally exhibit limited integration of technology in teaching, while those at Madrasah Aliyah (MA) demonstrate higher TPACK competence. The study underscores the role of institutional support, teacher training and resource availability in shaping teachers’ technological readiness. The results provide valuable insights for policy makers and educators seeking to strengthen TPACK-based instruction in Islamic educational settings.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: M. Arif Rahman Hakim
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 M. Arif Rahman Hakim
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 295
ending page: 327
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.523

The Contributing Dimensions and Elements of Maqasid Sharia to the Well-Being in Pesantren
type: item
description: This research aims to identify the factors that contribute to well-being in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) using the six-dimensional Maqasid al-Sharia approach, specifically by exploring the key elements in the dimensions of the well-being of maqasid sharia from a pesantren’s perspective. This research uses a mixed-method study. The qualitative analysis was employed through interviews with kiai, ustadz/ustadzah, supervisors, and pesantren owners. Quantitative research was carried out by distributing online surveys, and SPSS was used to determine the internal consistency and the most critical dimensions based on Cronbach’s alpha value and mean score. Through in-depth interviews, it was found that there are 56 elements of well-being in the six dimensions of maqasid sharia. The author also found that safeguarding religion and safeguarding intellect are the two most vital dimensions in pesantren. However, all six dimensions play a critical role in supporting the well-being of pesantren. In practical terms, this model provides policy makers and leadership at the pesantren level with guidance on implementing holistic well-being through curriculum development, character building and organizational policy. Methodologically, the study illustrates the usefulness of qualitative conceptualization, supplemented by quantitative prioritization, in developing culturally grounded models of Islamic well-being. Further studies are recommended to confirm and extend the model across other Islamic educational settings.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Darihan Mubarak
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Darihan Mubarak
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 328
ending page: 366
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.525

Examining the Roles of Education Civil Society Organizations in Supporting Tertiary Enrollment in Indonesia: A Case Study of the Suryanara Foundation
type: item
description: This study addresses the low tertiary educational attainment in Indonesia despite the critical role of higher education in societal development. The research aims to assess the contribution of an Indonesian Civil Society Organization (CSO), specifically the Suryanara Foundation, through its mentoring program, Adik Asuh Suryanara, on tertiary enrollment. The study utilizes a case study research design focusing on the organized mentoring program, examining both objective outcomes (tertiary enrollment achievements) and subjective outcomes (participant perceptions). Data collection involved document analysis and a survey conducted among program participants. Results indicate that a significant majority of scholarship awardees successfully enrolled in universities, primarily in state institutions and highly-ranked universities across various disciplines. This achievement is coupled with the perceived personal development of the program participants in terms of the creation of a college-going culture, instrumental and communicative learning, role modeling by mentors, and a sense of community establishment among participants. The study suggests the essential roles of the Suryanara Foundation as an advocate for distributive justice, an agent of empowerment, and a collaborator in supporting tertiary enrollment in Indonesia. By evaluating the effectiveness of the CSO-led mentoring program, this research contributes to the CSO literature towards strengthening the roles of CSOs in enhancing tertiary education access and quality.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Lavinia DW Araminta
creator: Wimba W Dinutanayo
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Lavinia DW Araminta, Wimba W Dinutanayo
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 266
ending page: 294
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.522

Role of Head Teachers in Sustaining Academic Continuity Amidst Smog in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
type: item
description: Recently, smog has emerged as an environmental danger due to climate change to the lives of people in Punjab, Pakistan; it harms children’s health, causing breathing and lung diseases, disrupting school schedules, and results in study loss. This study explores the role of head teachers in sustaining academic continuity in government primary schools in southern Punjab during school closures caused by smog season. This qualitative research uses case study design to explore specific strategies head teachers employ to overcome the study loss. The study investigates how school leaders use their leadership qualities, proactive planning, and coordination to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning within their schools. We used semi-structured interviews with two school heads of public primary schools in southern Punjab. Documents’ analysis was also employed from the health Department Punjab, and The Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department. The study found that head teachers can use leadership skills to handle educational crises posed by smog. The main recommendations are that school leaders can play a significant role in saving students’ valuable time by leveraging leadership skills and the effective use of technology and remote learning teaching methods, even in the absence of funding, so school leaders can make a huge difference with existing resources. The results suggest that relevant authorities should take serious policy measures to encourage and train school heads.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Khizer Hayat
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Khizer Hayat
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 202
ending page: 230
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.524

Education as a Catalyst: School-Based Strategies to Prevent Child Marriage in Lombok, Indonesia
type: item
description: Child marriage as a pressing issue in Indonesia significantly impacts education, economic and societal dynamics. This study focuses on the Lombok region, a place with a high prevalence of child marriages; investigating its factors, impacts, and strategies. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, data were collected from deep interviews with teachers across five schools in Lombok. Findings reveal that cultural traditions, alongside economic challenges and lack of family support, contribute to this practice. Child marriage has an impact on education, fosters psychological problems, and perpetuates poverty. Furthermore, all dimensions from both factors to impacts have a high correlation with education. Education interventions play a significant role in addressing this practice. Strategies such as school-community collaboration, parental involvement, and additional activities are highlighted, though their effectiveness is hindered by deep-rooted cultural norms. Despite challenges, schools are crucial in promoting awareness, fostering education, and supporting systems for at-risk youth. This study headlines the need for comprehensive policies integrating education and socio-economic support to prevent child marriage in Lombok comprehensively. It contributes to understanding localized contexts.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Suliyana Suliyana
creator: Insof Waeji
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Suliyana Suliyana, Insof Waeji
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 231
ending page: 265
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.526

Preface
type: item
description: First, our continues pray is directed for victims of flood in Sumatra, Indonesia. Indonesia is in the mourning due to the recent flood in November 2025 in many areas in Sumatra (Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces), causing many people to lose their houses, belongings and even many lives. We pray for the victims in order they can be recovered soon, either by Indonesian government, the companies which have deforested large areas of Sumatra or ourselves who can contribute financially through organized donation. We hope that this disaster can become a warning and lesson learned about the danger of deforestation to prevent further disaster in some other areas of Indonesia. There are advantages of having wood from the forest and from the mining. However, the danger of deforestation to take these advantages is greater and therefore, it is recommended to leave the forests as they are to protect many lives!
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Nina Nurmila
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Nina Nurmila
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 164
ending page: 167
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.531

Designing assessment for inclusion: How does culture fit in?
type: item
description: Inclusion is important in higher education, and therefore should be an important consideration within assessment. Over time, the focus of who should be included in higher education has evolved, starting with disability inclusion, and broadening to various aspects of social inclusion. In the context of increasingly internationalized higher education, one contemporary consideration is that of culture. However, what culture is and how it might be accounted for within assessment has not been the focus of prominent scholarly work. This paper undertakes a scoping literature review to establish what is already known, and to offer directions for future work. Through the review, two design principles are developed which speak to the broader movement towards assessment for inclusion. Though culture is ill-defined within the literature, this may be more important to consider within local contexts rather than at a conceptual level. Future research could profitably focus on generating empirical evidence regarding the outcomes of assessment designs which are culturally inclusive, and exploring the implications of implementation for educators and institutions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Joanna Hong-Meng Tai
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Joanna Hong-Meng Tai
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31
starting page: 168
ending page: 201
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i2.527

The Role of School Climate Perception on Teaching Efficacy with Special Needs Children : Examining Teachers' Perspective in Kota Depok
type: item
description: This study is grounded in the premise that prior to delving into teachers' perspectives on inclusive education implementation, it is imperative to possess a tool that assesses their confidence in teaching children with special needs. Employing a quantitative methodology, the research investigates the correlation between demographic variables, perceptions of school climate, and the effectiveness of teaching children with special needs. 72 teachers from public and private schools in Kota Depok were involved in this research. This research aims to address the question, does perceived school climate impact teaching efficacy for children with special needs? Using a t-test and regression analysis, this research found a significant association between teachers' perceptions of an inclusive school climate and their efficacy in instructing students with special needs. Moreover, the regression analysis underscores the predominant role of school-provided resources, collaboration, and instructional innovation in shaping teaching efficacy.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Anisa Rahmadani
creator: Muhammad Yudi Ali Akbar
creator: Zahrina Amelia
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Anisa Rahmadani, Muhammad Yudi Ali Akbar, Zahrina Amelia
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 140
ending page: 163
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.245

Exploring the Meaning of the Secret Book of Bainal Haq as a Literature Learning: A Study of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Philosophy of Language
type: item
description: This article delineates the stylistic similarities between Hölderlin's poetry and Sufi poetry within the manuscript of the 'Secret Book of Bainal Haq'. Accordingly, this research aims to highlight the shared stylistic features found in both types of poetry within the context of understanding the existence of God. The expressions of Sufi poetry contained therein reflect universal spiritual symbols capable of transcending cultural and historical boundaries. The Sufi literary discourse in the 'Secret Book of Bainal Haq' is connected to past literary traditions and anticipates the future direction of literature, as reflected in the poetry and metaphors used in the manuscript. This research approach adopts a qualitative descriptive content analysis method, employing Wittgenstein's 'Philosophical Investigations' approach. The research findings demonstrate that this approach effectively traces the relationship between transcendental existence (God) and religious aspects through Sufi literature in the 'Secret Book of Bainal Haq'. Within the framework of this research, the philosophy of language is considered an effective tool for understanding transcendental existence through literary discourse.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Hasanuddin Chaer
creator: Abdul Rasyad
creator: Januari Rizki Pratama R.
creator: Irma Setiawan
creator: Rahmad Hidayat
creator: Marlinda Ramdhani
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Hasanuddin Chaer, Abdul Rasyad, Januari Rizki Pratama R., Irma Setiawan, Rahmad Hidayat, Marlinda Ramdhani
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 36
ending page: 64
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.448

Understanding School-Based Interpersonal Relationships: the Case of Morning Greetings in a Thai-Muslim School Context
type: item
description: Morning greeting rituals are a common yet culturally rich practice in many schools, serving as more than simple pleasantries. In the Thai-Muslim context of Adameesoksavittaya School in Krabi, these daily interactions reflect deeper values of respect, identity and community. This research delves into an investigation of the socio-cultural dynamics surrounding morning greeting gestures at Adameesoksavittaya School in Krabi, Thailand. The objectives of the research are to observe the significance of morning greetings within the school’s cultural context and to explore how these gestures contribute to interpersonal relationships among students and staff. Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, data was gathered through participant observation, interviews and document analysis. The findings reveal rich cultural norms and social interactions embedded in the morning greeting rituals, that these gestures serve as more than mere formalities; they embody respect, solidarity and communal belonging within the school community. The study also elucidates the nuanced variations in greeting gestures based on culture. The main argument underscores the importance of recognizing the sociocultural intricacies inherent in seemingly mundane daily practices. Understanding and respecting these customs not only foster a sense of inclusivity and mutual respect but also contribute to the overall well-being and cohesion of the school community. This research provides valuable insights into the role of cultural practices in shaping social dynamics within educational settings.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Ubaidillah Ubaidillah
creator: Nurul Aini
creator: Yah Nursuraiya
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Ubaidillah Ubaidillah, Nurul Aini, Yah Nursuraiya
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 4
ending page: 35
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.243

Storytelling and Creative Writing: Critical Literacy Practices in a Community Learning Center in Central Java
type: item
description: Despite providing flexible, accessible and relevant learning opportunities to Indonesia’s marginalized groups, the equivalency program is looked down upon and its students are labelled with the stigma of second-class students. By co-constructing qualitative data through document analysis, site visits and interviews with the principal, facilitators and students of Omah Dongeng Marwah, a community learning center which provides a high school equivalency program in Kudus Central Java, the current study challenges such stereotypes by exploring critical literacies as practiced in the community learning center. This study argues that meaningful literacy practices, especially storytelling and creative writing, can be effective and viable mechanisms to enhance literacy learning, and build student agency and voice. Our findings reveal that storytelling might contribute to the improvement of reading skills as students are exposed to diverse narratives, while creative writing offers a space where students can practice articulating their ideas and feeling in authentic and meaningful ways. More importantly, storytelling and creative writing as practiced in the learning process have given underprivileged students opportunities and agency to define themselves despite being marginalized.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Zulfa Sakhiyya
creator: Leslie Moore
creator: Tati Wardi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Zulfa Sakhiyya, Leslie Moore, Tati Wardi
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 117
ending page: 139
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.291

Implementing Religious Moderation Values at Islamic Schools in Indonesia
type: item
description: Religious diversity in Indonesia demands its citizens to be moderate as they encounter religious affairs in society. Educators have made substantial efforts in many contexts, including in Madrasah Aliyah, to enable students to embrace the values of religious moderation not only in academic settings but also on a daily basis. This study aims to identify how a Madrasah Aliyah promotes religious moderation values, including students’ responses towards the notion. This study used a qualitative approach and case study design. The research instruments used questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. This study was situated in the scope where the school implements Islamic concepts in learning, which involved a teacher and 32 students. The data for this study is gathered from questionnaires and interviews. The study found that the values of religious moderation are promoted through learning activities supported by the school’s system. Being fair, tolerant, respecting differences, helping others, being honest, humble, cooperative, peaceful, responsible, and being a role model are religious moderation values promoted by the school. These values are embedded in all stages of learning. Also, this study discovered that teachers and students have implemented religious moderation values during teaching and learning. This study has shed light on how religious moderation values can be implemented in Madrasah Aliyah, and students can integrate those values into academic and actual life conditions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Siti Zulfa
creator: Maya Defianty
creator: Yatni Fatwa Mulyati
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Zulfa, Maya Defianty, Yatni Fatwa Mulyati
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 88
ending page: 116
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.449

Effective Strategies to Ensure Teachers’ Psychological Well-Being Amid Social Crisis: A Lesson from COVID-19 Pandemic
type: item
description: In the context of a crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the decline in teachers’ psychological well-being has become a serious issue that affects the effectiveness of the learning process. Through previous literature studies, this research aims to map various strategies that can foster teachers’ psychological well-being in a social crisis, using the COVID-19 pandemic as the model crisis. This can serve as a guide for regulators in educational institutions in facing future crisis events. The research method used is a systematic literature review, which allows researchers to systematically evaluate and synthesize findings from various relevant literature sources published between 2019 and 2023, including only journal articles. Eventually, the results identified 10 strategies that can be implemented: teacher creativity, resource support, supportive environment, relational support, teacher competency development, psychological support, organization, physical training, collaboration with policy makers, and additional funding. It is hoped that these strategies can become the basis to contribute positively to teachers’ psychological well-being while facing complex challenges in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic later.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Muhammad Yahya Abdullah
creator: Shalsabilla Rinira Putri
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Yahya Abdullah, Shalsabilla Rinira Putri
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 65
ending page: 87
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.242

Preface
type: item
description: After three years of intensive publication twice a year, MER is accredited as Sinta 3 journal in March 2025. Of course, we expected higher result, even indexed by Scopus. However, we understand that success takes time to achieve. As a “baby” journal under five years old, we will try harder to achieve a better accredited and reputable journal. With this level of accreditation, other than advertising to have online journal system (OJS) submission, we keep relying on our sources of article from MER Writing Competition, Annual Conference papers and papers written by our Scholar in Residence. When we have better accredited journal, we believe that MER will attract more OJS submissions.
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Nina Nurmila
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Nina Nurmila
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 3
doi: 10.56529/mer.v4i1.451

Not Only One But Many: How is the Islamic Educational Contest Shaping Indonesian Muslim Profiles?
type: item
description: Through the historical lens, we can see that the development of religious group diversity in certain religions is real and inevitable, including in Islam. Various factors can be put forward to explain this, but of all possible explanations, education surely has the crucial role. In the Indonesian context, the development of Islamic education has generated multi-faces of Muslims. Since the first educational reform in the early twentieth century, Islamic education has not only been a response to the colonial government’s ethische politiek policy, but has also become a crucial factor in the making of Indonesian Muslim faces. This article attempts to explore how the Islamic educational contest generally has shaped the Indonesian Muslim profile, at least since the early twentieth century until nowadays, with heuristic and sociological approaches in the frame of process philosophy, specifically on development of education, rather than political and ideological debate. The aim of this article is to illustrate the extent to which educational developments and contestations among Islamic groups have general significance for the making of Indonesian Muslim profiles. This article found that: (1) educational contestation has a significant role in the making of multi-faces of Indonesian Muslims; (2) the diversity of Muslim profiles has steadily increased since educational reform and contestation took place; and (3) educational contestation occurs in a very dynamic way that involves not only ideological indoctrination, but also educational innovation and creative adaptation.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Khairul Amin
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Khairul Amin
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 404
ending page: 430
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.321

Representation of Sexual Harassment Victims in English-based Indonesian Online News: A Critical Discourse Analysis
type: item
description: This study aims to investigate representations of sexual harassment victims in English-based Indonesian online news and reveal the underlying ideology behind the representation. This study uses critical discourse analysis with Fairclough’s framework. Halliday’s systemic functional grammar is applied in terms of the transitivity process. Data were news articles published in Tempo.co, The Jakarta Post and Antara. The data were analyzed using Eggins’ transitivity analysis keywords and then classified based on the transitivity process. The result shows that there are 88 transitivity processes consisting of 44 material processes, 26 verbal, ten relational attributive, one relational identifying, four mental and three existential processes. The behavioral process is not found in news articles. All English-based Indonesian online news represents sexual harassment victims positively. All news agencies represent that sexual harassment cases are not handled properly. This representation shows that all online news agencies support the ideology of gender equality and feminism at a varied rate. Tempo.co are less clear in showing their partiality. The news agencies are clear enough in showing their partiality to the sexual harassment victim. However, all of the online news agencies still represent the victim as a powerless object towards the perpetrator’s actions. However, there are misjudgments about the victim presented by The Jakarta Post and misrepresentation represented by Tempo.co and Antara. This implies that English-based Indonesian online news agencies still contain a patriarchal culture in their news reports.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Muhammad Firnas Hibatulloh
creator: Fathor Rasyid
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Firnas Hibatulloh, Fathor Rasyid
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 431
ending page: 458
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.322

Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through Utilizing Islamic Antidotes
type: item
description: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by compulsive behaviors and irrepressible impulses. The treatment for this disorder is challenging due to its complex nature. It is occasionally linked to religious observances referred to as scrupulosity. This disorder exhibits a multitude of consequences. The manifestation of these intrusive thoughts and undesirable behaviors among students impede their ability to study efficiently and negatively impact their academic performance. Researchers and academics have put forth a range of pharmaceutical and psychological remedies and solutions for this catastrophic disorder. This research proposes potential Islamic strategies for resisting and curtailing the disorder. The research findings indicate that the Islamic antidote for managing OCD involves several spiritual and therapeutic practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), tawakkul (trust in God), salah (prayer), du’a (supplication) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Additionally, individuals afflicted with this disorder, should employ strategies such as daily supplications, incantation (Al-uqyah Al-Sharʿiyyah) and efforts to prevent intrusive thoughts. The study effectively employed a descriptive methodology to conduct its examination.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Ali Samaila Yankari
creator: Musa A. Maikamba
creator: Md. Mahdi Hasan
creator: Ahmad Muhammad Jungudo
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Ali Samaila Yankari, Musa A. Maikamba, Md. Mahdi Hasan, Ahmad Muhammad Jungudo
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 362
ending page: 385
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.227

From Traditionality to Modernity: How the Ma’had Aly Contributes to Muslim Society in Indonesia
type: item
description: Ma’had Aly is one of the religious-educational institutions based in Islamic boarding schools. This institution is an important actor in the transmission of intellectual and Islamic religious knowledge. In this context, students in Islamic boarding schools study the kitab kuning (yellow book) or kitab turath (traditional Islamic books) and try to contextualize them with the times. Moreover, the problems of the times are increasingly complex, so ma’had aly tries to answer these challenges. This article seeks to examine how ma’had aly has become an important actor in the context of the circulation and transmission of Islamic religious knowledge in Indonesia. This research focuses on three ma’had aly in Indonesia; namely, Ma’had Aly Pondok Pesantren Al-Munawwir Krapyak, Ma’had Aly Pondok Pesantren Al-Falah Ploso, and Ma’had Aly Pondok Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Situbondo. The findings in this study show that ma’had aly has contributed greatly to the landscape of the map of intellectual transmission and Islamic religious knowledge in Indonesia. Not only that, ma’had aly also has its style in the pattern of teaching and education, especially related to contextualization between text and context in a heterogeneous society with the complexity of the problems faced. In addition, from initially focusing only on traditional knowledge, now ma’had aly is transforming towards modernity by combining text and context, where the problems of society are increasingly complex.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Firmanda Taufiq
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Firmanda Taufiq
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 386
ending page: 403
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.320

Learning Beyond Borders: The Teaching of English for Refugees in Jakarta Learning Centers During COVID-19
type: item
description: Proficiency in English is essential for refugees as it significantly impacts their integration, social inclusion and self-reliance. In temporary host countries like Indonesia, refugees are keen to learn English before resettlement, but the COVID-19 pandemic hindered this process. Nevertheless, efforts to maintain English education at learning centers continued. What were the experiences of refugees learning English during COVID-19, and how did they navigate access to education amid the pandemic? This qualitative study examines refugees’ experiences in learning English during COVID-19 and their access to education. It focuses on two learning centers managed by Human Initiative (HI), a UNHCR partner organization in Greater Jakarta. Data was collected through interviews with UNHCR staff, Human Initiative employees, refugee students and volunteer teachers, along with class observations. The findings reveal that English instruction functions as a vital support system for refugees. The curriculum was adapted to accommodate their needs, with materials sourced online and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) methods applied to improve speaking skills. The study also highlights the obstacles faced by students, teachers, and management as well as highlighting their adaptive and flexible strategies for maintaining education in difficult circumstances.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Lilis Sulistyowati
creator: Ratna Sari Dewi
creator: Alek Alek
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Lilis Sulistyowati, Ratna Sari Dewi, Alek Alek
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 331
ending page: 361
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.319

Generation Z’s Attitudes and Expectations in the Workplace and Their Implications for Education Policy in Indonesia
type: item
description: Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to those who were born between mid-1990s and mid-2010s or currently between 12 and 27 years’ old as per 2024. In many parts of the world, the number of Gen Z employees is growing as this generation has just entered the workforce after finishing college. There has been much research on Gen Z in their work environment, however research on Gen Z and its implications related to educational policy is very limited. Understanding Gen Z’s attitudes and expectations in the workforce helps leaders, educators and other stakeholders to develop curriculum or business plans tailored to their needs and characteristics. This research aims to investigate Gen Z’s attitudes and expectations in the workplace. Data were collected from a survey involving 138 Gen Z who are ready to enter the workforce and in their final year of their study from Indonesia, Thailand and Afghanistan, which is followed up by a focus group discussion. Findings from this study indicate that Gen Z can be described as critical, open-minded and financially literate. Their expectations in their future employment include having ‘smart-office’ technology while at the same time they express an interest in Corporate Social Responsibility. It is expected that the findings will help educators to reconceptualize curriculum and identify strategies in assisting this generation to further develop their potential while maintaining a positive work ethic and realistic expectations in their workplaces.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Gin Gin Gustine
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Gin Gin Gustine
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 235
ending page: 261
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.262

Exploring the Relationship between Safe Learning Environments and Literacy Skills in Majority Muslim Southeast Asian Nations: Insights from PISA 2022
type: item
description: This research investigates the association of safe learning environments with literacy scores in three Southeast Asian countries with Muslim-majority populations: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The study will use data from PISA 2022 to identify factors that promote inclusive learning environments and are related to students’ literacy. The research is grounded in theoretical frameworks, such as Social Cognitive Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, and Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, to discern factors associated with students’ literacy and to develop strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. The data will be analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA, Post Hoc Comparison, and regression analysis. The results revealed that bullying, feeling unsafe, and school safety risks are negatively associated with students’ literacy scores and highlight the importance of creating inclusive learning environments. The study’s potential impact on future research and interventions is significant, making it a crucial foundation for further investigation.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Risa Haridza
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Risa Haridza
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 262
ending page: 303
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.318

Preface
type: item
description: Alhamdulillah, the sixth edition of MER is published. As we did before, the sources of articles we received were from our annual conference participants, writing competition participants, our Scholars-in Residence fellows and our invited conference speakers. In the future, we hope that we can receive articles from broader sources, nationally and internationally, that was one of the feedback in order for our journal can be indexed by Scopus database.
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Nina Nurmila
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Nina Nurmila
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 232
ending page: 234
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.317

Empowered Learners in a Digital Age: The Critical Nexus of Engagement, Agency, Interest, and Motivation
type: item
description: Integrating ICT into teaching and learning is critical to raising students’ engagement. As engagement is vital for productive learning, understanding its relevant aspects is eminently important. This paper reports the learning experience of Indonesian students who enrolled in three university courses taught in English (Academic English, Philosophy of Education, and Scientific Paper Writing). The study captured the students’ digital e-learning activities, driven by their interest-related activities and study motivation. How they navigated their way in using information and communication technology (ICT) to help with their course learning was examined. The connection between students’ agency, interest, motivation, and engagement was analyzed. The findings highlighted how the technology strengthened the nexus between agency, interest, motivation and engagement. Students’ interest in ICT uses and activity preferences motivated their learning and promoted their engagement. The students’ agency helped control their effort and perseverance, which enabled lost lasting engagement. Motivated learners with interest showed more developed agency. They exhibited determined goals, self-directed learning, and resoluteness in responding to their surroundings, including access and knowledge of technology use, aligning with their preferred ways of learning and objectives. Pedagogic implementation recommends flexible ways to accommodate students’ interests in ICT use to maintain their motivation, as both are reciprocally connected with their developed agency and engagement.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Naning Tri Wahyuni
creator: Gunawan Ariyanto
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Naning Tri Wahyuni, Gunawan Ariyanto
date: 2024-12-31
publication date: 2024-12-31
starting page: 304
ending page: 330
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i2.261

Understanding The Complexities of Teaching Marginalized Groups And Promoting Inclusive Education in Masjid Terminal School: Teachers’ Perspective
type: item
description: Behind the success of the government programs, various educational phenomena in Depok City must still be resolved, one of which is education for marginalized communities. “Marginalized people” is a more accurate description of the urban poor. Consequently, the paramount task for the government is to harness the potential of these underprivileged individuals through the promotion of inclusive education. The Masjid Terminal School (Master School) is one of the schools in Depok that provides inclusive education. A qualitative method with a case study approach is used in this study. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and post-observation interviews were conducted to collect the data. The findings of this study revealed that the challenges faced by students at Master School differ significantly from those encountered at other schools. Given that Master School is tailored for underprivileged students, economic hardships emerge as one of their most formidable obstacles. Nevertheless, students at Master School are afforded opportunities to enhance their capacities and skills while enrolled, as the school not only provides tuition-free lessons but also offers a variety of extracurricular activities open to all students. Furthermore, teachers and staff at Master School actively support students with a strong desire to pursue higher education, with many students having secured scholarships to study abroad.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Wiwin Windiana
creator: Mariam Ulpah
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Wiwin Indiana, Mariam Ulpah
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 117
ending page: 144
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.265

A Literature Review Study of the Role of Family Education in Minimizing Klitih Crime and Moral Decadence in Yogyakarta
type: item
description: The recent klitih case in Yogyakarta province is a result of the lack of the parents’ role in educating their children, and moral decadence. This klitih case has become a public concern because it endangers human lives. The need for comprehensive intervention to minimize this type of crime becomes a necessity. The hope is to create peace, comfort, tranquility and a prosperous life for the people in Yogyakarta. This study aims to explore the importance of the role of the family in educating children to minimize crime and moral decadence in the province of the Yogyakarta Special Region. This research is descriptive-qualitative, with the main approach using a literature review as a data-mining tool. The results show there are background factors causing klitih crime. There are also roles parents can play in educating their children and minimizing moral decadence in Yogyakarta. This study recommends parents be more intense in monitoring the activities of their children. Lastly, this study also recommends involving religious and moral values of the culture to foster a child’s thinking sense to avoid harmful, deviant behavior and crime.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Choirul Muna
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Choirul Muna
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 145
ending page: 172
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.272

Do Teachers’ Beliefs in the Rationale for Learning and teaching Arabic Support the Intended Specific Purpose?
type: item
description: The present study was developed to assess teachers' beliefs on (1) the rationale for learning Arabic in independent Muslim secondary schools in the UK; (2) Arabic language resources used at these schools; (3) the types of Arabic taught in these schools. Four independent Muslim secondary school teachers of Arabic from Greater London, Birmingham, and Walsall participated in this small-scale qualitative study. Through the semi-structured interview schedule, teachers were asked to answer questions about the rationale for learning Arabic, what types of Arabic they teach, and the resources they use to support the intended goals. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Overall findings imply that teachers typically hold similar opinions regarding the three subjects under consideration. Since many teachers exhibit attitudes that imply limited awareness of the desired results, the article discusses the necessity of introducing modules on Arabic for special purposes and Arabic language teacher training programmes. The report advises authors and policymakers to provide resources tailored toward Arabic for specific purposes.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Mahmud bin Sayeed
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Mahmud bin Sayeed
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 173
ending page: 191
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.159

Postmodernism Challenges for Muslim Schools and Universities in Malaysia: The Role of AI Pedagogical Integration into Islamic Education
type: item
description: In today’s rapidly changing world, postmodern civilization has been accused of undermining traditional, religious universal values and socio-economic inequality. The intersection of Islamic philosophy and secular education creates profound tension, as Islamic teachings on justice, equality and religious principles often clash with Western secular values, leading to issues such as incompetent graduates, LGBTQ disorder, and over- capitalism conflicts. Schools and universities also grapple with significant challenges like zero hands-on skills, large class sizes, lack of resources, and student behavioral ongoing issues, which impede effective teaching and learning. Additionally, non-inclusive students, especially those with disabilities or from minority ethnic backgrounds, face bullying, discrimination and difficulty accessing resources, exacerbating their isolation and hindering academic performance. This study utilized a qualitative research methodology grounded in the researchers’ nearly twenty years of teaching experience at private universities across Malaysia, including at UNITAR Malaysia, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), the Management and Science University (MSU), and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC). The research was informed by direct classroom engagement, a mentoring program, and involvement in academic events administration, offering deep insights into student challenges and enriching data collection. The methodology included providing motivational support and counseling to students with special needs and those underperforming. A critical, reflexive approach was adopted to address potential biases, and results were verified through member-checking and triangulation. This comprehensive approach enabled a thorough exploration of the Malaysian educational context, identifying challenges and themes, yet providing a robust framework for understanding student experiences and pedagogical strategies. The study is structured into four…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Jamaliah Jamil
creator: Nurul Huda Izzati Jamil
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Jamaliah Jamil, Nurul Huda Izzati Jamil
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 193
ending page: 231
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.266

Scholarly Discourse on Equity, Inclusion, and Education by Scholars in Indonesia: A Bibliometric and Science Mapping Analysis
type: item
description: Equity, inclusion, and education are remarkable elements encompassed in the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). As such, there is a growing number of publications on these topics presenting some challenges to envision an overarching understating of the connections among these subjects. Hence, the purpose of the current study is to explore the body of research that involves equity, inclusion, and education that is contributed by Indonesian academia by employing bibliometric and science mapping analysis. The search was conducted on SCOPUS database which resulted in some 400 plus documents after applying the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was analyzed employing various bibliometric analysis indicators such as number of publications, contributing institutions, citation, co-citation, and keywords. Microsoft excel and VOSviewer software was employed for conducting the analysis. The findings revealed that the number of publications and citations on the topics has been quiet fluctuating. Analyses of the intellectual and conceptual structure revealed that trans-disciplinary nature of scholarship on the topic. Based on the findings, the needs for a greater emphasis on research in these areas by Indonesian institutions/researchers are realized. It is also suggested that researchers employ an integrated approach by investigating variables from the policy and practice perspectives as well as at an organizational or systemic level. The findings are string support that education is an integral component of achieving equity and inclusion which should be taken into account while devising policies and implementing the same.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Visal Moosa
creator: Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti
creator: Bambang Sumintono
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Visal Moosa, Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Bambang Sumintono
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 63
ending page: 95
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.178

The Challenges and Opportunities of Underprivileged Urbanized People in Accessing Education: A Case Study in Depok City
type: item
description: Urbanization is one factor influencing poverty in Indonesia’s major cities. Urbanization in Indonesia is characterized by migration of residents from villages to cities to improve their standard of living and try their luck in the city. However, many urbanized people who move from villages to cities need more education and specific skills. As a result, they need help to find easier and more decent jobs, even though cities provide more jobs. This condition causes many urbanized people to end up as underprivileged, such as street people busking at red lights and on the streets. This research aimed to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by underprivileged urbanized people in accessing education. The research used a qualitative case study approach. The participants in this study are urbanized people who move from villages to cities but end up being underprivileged in the cities they attend. Furthermore, the researchers used an interactive data analysis by Morse (1994), comprehending, synthesizing, theorizing and recontextualizing. The findings of this study are expected to provide a true picture of urbanized people and underprivileged people’s education. The results showed that the underprivileged urbanized people in Liu village, Depok face several challenges in fulfilling their education, such as difficulty enrolling their children in public school and paying school fees. Besides their opportunities to access education, they are already aware of government assistance, such as KIP and KDS programs, which allow them to pay their children’s tuition fees with LKS money.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: M Syauqi Asfiya’ R
creator: Wiwin Windiana
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 M Syauqi Asfiya’ R, Wiwin Windiana
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 96
ending page: 116
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.264

Gender Representation in Education: Evidence from English National Tests in Indonesia
type: item
description: Gender representation in Indonesian school textbooks has been widely analysed. However, the compulsory national tests have lacked attention although these used to be a main tool to determine students’ competencies. This research aims to evaluate gender representation in the Indonesian Education System, especially in the national tests. Using content analysis, we examined both male and female representation in the Junior High School English national tests from 1994 to 2004. The findings reveal that the English national tests were content-valid tests. Before 1998, the tests reflected the patriarchal culture embraced by Indonesians during the New Order era. For example, female names were associated with feminine traits and the domestic sphere, while male names were associated with masculine traits and the public sphere. Meanwhile, the tests after 1998 indicated how female names were given more opportunities in the public sphere although male names still dominated the discussion on employment. This result is in line with the theoretical and practical implications, in which gender roles are represented based on the culture of the society.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Dewi Resminingayu
creator: Novika Grasiaswaty
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Dewi Resminingayu, Novika Grasiaswaty
date: 2024-06-28
publication date: 2024-06-28
starting page: 7
ending page: 36
doi: 10.56529/mer.v3i1.263