Analysis Of Islamic Education Policy In Southeast Asian Countries: Comparative Policies, Implementation, And Strategic Challenges

Abstract

Islamic education policies in Southeast Asia demonstrate diverse approaches influenced by the socio-political-religious contexts of each country. This research analyzes a comparison of Islamic education policies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand through a qualitative literature study approach using content analysis and thematic coding methods. Findings reveal that Islamic education policies in these countries vary in ideological orientation, institutional structure, and implementation strategy. Indonesia implements integration within the national education system based on Pancasila values, Malaysia builds an Islamic education system based on strong Islamic identity awareness, Brunei implements a total integration approach with Islamic law, while Thailand faces pedagogical complexity within a Muslim minority context. This research recommends strengthening regional policy harmonization, enhancing teacher capacity, developing curricula responsive to local needs, and building cross-country collaboration platforms to share best practices. The research implications affirm that effective Islamic education policies must balance the universality of Islamic values, local cultural contextualism, and aspirations for educational modernization.