Character Education Management Strategies to Establish a Positive School Culture in Vocational High Schools in Merauke Regency, South Papua

This study explores the management strategies of character education as a foundation for fostering a positive school culture in vocational high schools (SMK) in Merauke Regency, South Papua. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how character education is systematically planned, organized, implemented. A qualitative research approach was adopted to capture the depth and complexity of character education management in three purposively selected vocational schools: SMK Negeri 1 Business and Management, SMK Negeri 2 Tourism, and SMKS Santo Antonius Merauke. The validity of findings was strengthened using source, method, and time triangulation, and data were analyzed following the Miles and Huberman interactive model, encompassing data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Findings reveal that character education planning in SMK Merauke is highly participatory, involving all school elements and aligning character values with the institutional vision, local wisdom, and workforce needs. Such approaches are critical for building inclusive, ethical, and competitive school environments, particularly in multicultural and rapidly changing regions like Merauke.