IMPLEMENTASI MANAGEMAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER UNTUK MENINGKATKAN AHLAKUL KARIMA DI PON-PES WAHDAH ISLAMIYAH BULUKUMBA

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to provide an in-depth description of the implementation of character education management in improving students’ noble character (akhlakul karimah) at Wahdah Islamiyah Islamic Boarding School in Bulukumba. The study focuses on the processes of planning, implementing, and evaluating character education programs designed by the institution, as well as the leadership strategies applied by the school administrators in building a consistent religious culture. The background of this study is the growing need for Islamic educational institutions to apply structured character education management to address the rising moral challenges in the modern era, particularly among adolescents. The findings indicate that the planning of character education is carried out systematically through the development of an integrative curriculum based on Islamic moral values, the establishment of student behavior standards, and the formulation of worship habituation programs and social activities. Implementation is reflected in various pesantren activities, including regular mentoring through halaqah, exemplary behavior demonstrated by teachers, reinforcement of dormitory discipline, and the application of educative reward-and-punishment systems. The institution also emphasizes the importance of synergy between formal, nonformal, and informal learning so that all aspects of students’ daily lives become spaces for character internalization. Program evaluation is conducted through daily monitoring, behavioral assessments, and reflective meetings among educators to ensure program sustainability and effectiveness. The study reveals that well-structured character education management significantly improves students’ religious obedience, discipline, respect toward teachers, and social interaction skills. Thus, this research highlights that the success of developing akhlakul karimah depends heavily on professional, collaborative, and exemplary-based management of character education within the pesantren environment.