Edupreneurial Leadership and Religious Character Building: A Case Study of SD IT Global Islamic School Permata Ummi Kertasemaya

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between edupreneurial leadership and the formation of religious character in an integrated Islamic elementary school. Drawing on field observations at SD IT Global Islamic School (GIS) Permata Ummi Kertasemaya, the study examines how the principal’s strategic leadership grounded in an edupreneurial framework influences students’ religious character development through institutionalized habituation, curriculum integration, and human resource empowerment. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through direct observation, documentation, and interviews. Findings indicate that the school’s success in cultivating akhlakul karimah (noble character) stems not only from structured religious routines but also from the principal’s dual role as both an educational leader and an edupreneur capable of balancing innovation, financial sustainability, and spiritual values. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic educational management by proposing a strategic edupreneurial leadership model that integrates market responsiveness with moral formation. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of aligning institutional growth with teacher well-being to ensure the sustainability of character education.