Budiyanto, Sigit. 2019.

Religious Leadership of Buddhism (Multi-Site Study at Kertarajasa

Buddhist College and Smaratungga Buddhist College). Postgraduate Thesis, the Department
of Educational Management, State University of Malang. Supervisor: (1) Prof. Dr. Ibrahim
Bafadal M.Pd, (2) Dr. Burhanudin M.Pd, M.Sc.

Keywords: monk’s leadership, religious values, Buddhism.

A monk who is not only a spiritual teacher, but also served as the head of an educational
institution. As a figure who was both a role model and a preacher of religious teachings, a monk
had many devotees throughout Indonesia. This allows for positive interactions that make
Buddhists and the wider community in various regions become familiar to Kertarajasa
Buddhist College and Smaratungga Buddhist College. Based on the research context above,
the researcher interested in conducting a study with the title “Religious Leadership of
Buddhism”. This is a topic of religious leadership in the field of Buddhist education at
Kertarajasa Buddhist College and Smaratungga Buddhist College, as an important part to be
observed in order to achieve educational goals through an appropriate and directed process.
This study aims to explain: (1) religious values that inspire the leadership of monks in Buddhist
educational institutions, (2) monk’s leadership styles in Buddhist educational institutions, (3)
the principles of monk's leadership in Buddhist education institutions.
This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with a multi-site study design. This
research was conducted at Kertaraja Buddhist College in Malang and Smaratungga Buddhist
College in Ampel. Data collection in this research was carried out with in-depth interview
techniques, participant observation, and documentation study. Data analysis is carried out in
two stages, namely individual site data analysis and cross-site data analysis. Data checking is
carried out with a credibility test, a transferability test and a compatibility test.
The results of this study are as follows: first, the religious value that animates the leadership of
monks in Buddhist education institutions is divided into 2 categories, namely the existence of
internal and external factors that encourage monks to become head of Buddhist high schools.
Internal drive is experience as a leader and drive to serve, while external drive is meeting
academic qualifications. The religious value in the leadership of monks in Buddhist higher
education institutions is the value contained in the dasa raja dhamma which in its
implementation is supported by self-control in accordance with the Dhamma Vinaya and the
practice of meditation. Second, the leadership style of monks in Buddhist education institutions
is divided into 3 categories, namely: the mixture leadership style of monks in higher education
institutions of Buddhist, such as: democratic, delegate, non-authoritarian and participatory
which brings an impact on the weakness in controlling and difficulties in making decisions.
The way in which the head of institution to achieve organizational goals is by placing the right
person, giving a great role to the vice chairman and active participation of members. This has
the disadvantage that there is no visible figure of the leader. The personal figure as a monk who
is a Buddhist cleric and uses a humanistic approach, as well as family elements in the work
culture can exert influence on the members. Third, the principle of monk’s leadership in
Buddhist education institutions is divided into 3 categories, namely: The use of communication
media by the head of the Buddhist high school when not in place, easy to be contacted and
formal and non-formal communication patterns are depending on the situation. Control by the
chairman is always made, motivating from afar, and giving authority to the vice chairman.
Quick decision making and meetings to solve problems as a way to implement effective and
efficient leadership. The way to solve the problem done by the chairman is to take a cautious
and impartial attitude, take a personal approach by receiving input from various parties.
Based on the results of this study, the chairman is expected to be able to maintain and improve
the religious leadership of Buddhism that has been applied so far, especially relating to the
implementation of Buddhist religious values in leadership in their respective institutions, the
leadership style of monks about involving members and ways to instill influence on members,
the principles of monk’s leadership in building communication, effective and efficient
leadership and problem solving so as to improve group performance so that the institutions
managed become known, sought after and chosen by the Buddhist community at large.
Therefore, the head of a Buddhist high school is advised to always hone self-competence and
the quality of continuous inner development (continuous improvement). It is suggested for
education staff to improve their competence so that they can support the head of the Buddhist
college in carrying out activities well in the institution in accordance with Buddhist religious
values. The results of this study can be followed up by other researchers by developing 3
research alternatives, namely: (a) using the same research focus but conducted at different sites,
(b) using the same focus but different design and analysis techniques, and (c) using other
relevant and ongoing focus.