SPs Theater Room UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held the 2770th Thesis Exam at the SPs Theater Room of UIN Jakarta, on Monday, July 28, 2025 with candidate Khaeril Alba.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the development of PAI learning and religious culture in order to strengthen the character of students in various vocational schools in Tangerang City. With a focus on the practical aspects and their impact on students, this study offers an in-depth look at how religious education can be more relevant and effective in the context of vocational education.

Using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach, Khaeril Alba explored data through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. This approach allows researchers to holistically understand the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders regarding the implementation of this character strengthening program in the school environment.

The results of this study clearly show that strengthening the character of students has a significant positive impact. This impact is realized thanks to the synergy between the development of PAI learning in the classroom and the cultivation of religious culture outside the classroom. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach in character building.

The development of PAI learning applied in this study includes psychological-based methods, the use of digital application-based learning media, and teaching materials that are integrated with social media. Meanwhile, religious culture is implemented through various activities, such as the 5S program (Smile, Greeting, Greeting, Polite, and Courteous), Duha and Zuhur prayers in congregation, tadarus, tahfiz, clean Friday, and various other religious initiatives that are routinely carried out in schools.

Furthermore, the development of PAI learning and religious culture is designed guided by the six dimensions in the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) as the main instrument of character strengthening. This research also reinforces the findings of a previous study by Baiq Hayun Nurwulan (2016), which emphasized the crucial role of religious culture in the process of character formation. Alba emphasized that character strengthening is not only limited to activities outside the classroom through religious culture, but can also be effectively integrated into the learning process in the classroom.

Thus, Khaeril Alba's thesis makes a valuable contribution to the world of education, especially in efforts to strengthen students' character through a holistic approach that combines PAI learning innovations with the practice of religious culture. This research is expected to be a reference for other schools in developing similar programs to produce young generations with strong character and noble character, in line with the values of Pancasila.

Khaeril Alba successfully defended his thesis under the guidance of Prof. Muhammad Zuhdi, M.Ed, Ph.D and Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, MA, Ph.D, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Muhammad Zuhdi, M.Ed, Ph.D, Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, MA, Ph.D, Dr. Suwendi, M.Ag and Dr. Bahrissalim, M.Ag.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Khaeril Alba graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Khaeril Alba is the 2770th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies, in the master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)