Human resource development through prophetic leadership in Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama’ universities in Indonesia

Purposes This research examines the role of prophetic leadership in developing human resources at Muhammadiyah Universities (PTM) and Nahdlatul Ulama Universities (PTNU). PTM and PTNU were chosen because they are religious-based institutions that integrate religious values in leadership motives and actions. This integration supports human resource development. These assets can enhance the Three Pillars of Higher Education, drive academic innovation, and increase PTM and PTNU's competitiveness. Prophetic leadership motives and actions can improve the quality of human resources, which in turn affects PTM and PTNU management. Therefore, this research asks: how do prophetic leadership motives and actions help create reliable human resources at PTM and PTNU? Design/methodology/approach This research employs a phenomenological qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted using participatory observation and in-depth interviews, while data analysis employed interactive techniques developed by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. Data collection and data analysis were carried out in an integrated manner with the principle of ongoing analysis, meaning they were not conducted separately after data collection was completed. Findings This research found that PTM and PTNU leaders have theological motives, and their actions reflect liberation with an orientation toward the socio-anthropological dimension (humanity). Human resource development in PTM and PTNU is carried out by dialectically integrating theological values with socio-anthropological dimensions. This process is constructed based on three elements: theology, ʿAbdullāh -oriented performance, and high-achieving and innovative behavior. Originality/value Prophetic leadership in institutions based on religious ideology, especially in developing human resources, is crucial for the success of realizing higher education goals. Therefore, this research is expected to provide a critical description through an interpretive paradigm of the phenomenon of Prophetic leadership in higher education. Especially for efforts to build socio-anthropological and theological awareness as an ethical basis for human resource development.