Islamic Education in Indonesian Legal Framework: Policy Analysis and Implementation

This study aims to examine the regulation of Islamic education within Indonesian legislation and to analyze its implementation in the context of national policy. Islamic education holds a strategic position in shaping national character and has received legal recognition through various regulations, such as Law Number 20 of 2003 on the National Education System, Law Number 18 of 2019 on Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), and technical regulations issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education. This study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method to analyze legal documents and relevant academic literature. The findings reveal that although Islamic education has been formally acknowledged, several challenges persist in policy implementation, including overlapping authorities, fragmented regulations, and disparities in access and quality of education. Therefore, institutional synergy, regulatory reform, and the strengthening of Islamic educational institutions' capacities are required. This study recommends stronger integration between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, as well as a transformation of the Islamic education system to be more adaptive to contemporary developments, including digitalization and globalization in education.