The Activity on Strengthening Leadership and Managerial Skills for Principals of PAUD/TK/RA and SD/MIN education units was held over two days, 18–19 November 2025, in Lagundri, Nias Selatan.
A total of 25 principals took part in this activity to strengthen their role as education leaders who are oriented toward data and overall school quality improvement. This program is a strategic step in responding to the low position of Nias Selatan in the Education Report (Rapor Pendidikan) as well as the growing demand for transparency in school planning.
In the opening session, the KREASI team, represented by Mulyadin Harahap, invited all participants to fully engage in the activity in order to bring about real changes in their respective schools. Meanwhile, District Representative KREASI Nias Selatan, Reinhard Simanjuntak, emphasized the importance of using the KREASI program as a key instrument for accelerating quality improvement. At the same time, Kornelius Duha from the District Education Office highlighted the urgent need for principals to be independent in preparing RKAS (School Activity and Budget Plan) based on data and not delegate it to other parties. He stressed, “Our Education Report is in the last position. This demands a significant and measurable improvement in performance.”
On the first day, resource person Arifin Ambarita from BPMP Sumatera Utara opened the session with an in-depth explanation of the structure and indicators of the Education Report. He encouraged participants to read their school data honestly to understand the cause-and-effect relationships that influence the quality of learning. Participants were then trained to apply the IRB approach (Identify, Reflect, Improve) and worked through Worksheets 1–3, starting from identifying achievement of the National Education Standards (SNP) to drafting a School Quality Improvement Plan. This process ensured that principals understood the five cycles of the Education Quality Assurance (PMP) that must be implemented continuously.
The second day focused on preparing RKAS and inputting ARKAS based on data findings, guided by Freddy Silalahi from BPMP Sumatera Utara. He stressed that BOSP funds must be viewed as an investment for quality improvement, not merely for fulfilling routine needs. Freddy reminded participants, “The use of funds is not about what I want, but what is needed. Every expenditure must be supported with complete documentation so it does not create audit issues.” Participants continued with a practical session on drafting Follow-Up Plans (Worksheet 5) in line with each school’s priority programs.
The closing session featured reflections and messages from participants, including Anayao Duha, who stated that all experiences and knowledge gained were ready to be translated into concrete action at school. Nimani Loi also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support that has made participants more confident in developing data-based planning. She hopes that these capacity-building efforts will continue and further strengthen education quality in the villages.
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The Program of KREASI or Kolaborasi untuk Edukasi Anak Indonesia (Collaboration for the Education of Indonesian Children) is funded by the Global Partnership for Education, developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. KREASI is being implemented by Save the Children with Ikatan Guru Indonesia and support by the Government of Nias Selatan. KREASI aims to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by strengthening teaching, learning, and student development.
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Writer: Afnidar Dakhi | Editor: Andika Ramadhan | Photo: Afnidar Dakhi/KREASI/Ikatan Guru Indonesia/Save the Children