ANALISIS SINERGI AUDIT MUTU INTERNAL DAN EKSTERNAL DALAM PENJAMINAN MUTU LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN DI SMA NEGERI 5 PALANGKA RAYA

Abstract

This study was motivated by the challenge of establishing alignment within educational quality evaluation systems to prevent them from being reduced to mere administrative formalities in secondary schools. The study aimed to analyze the implementation of internal and external quality audits, the synergy between both systems, as well as the challenges and strengthening efforts in educational quality assurance at SMA Negeri 5 Palangka Raya. This research employed a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data were collected through observations conducted on May 15, 2026, in-depth interviews carried out on May 18–19, 2026 with the principal, school supervisor, and the School Quality Assurance Team (Tim Penjaminan Mutu Sekolah/TPMS), as well as documentation related to the implementation of educational quality assurance. The findings revealed that the Internal Quality Assurance System (Sistem Penjaminan Mutu Internal/SPMI) was implemented through academic supervision, learning administration monitoring, evaluation of school work programs, and Management Review Meetings (Rapat Tinjauan Manajemen/RTM). Meanwhile, the External Quality Assurance System (Sistem Penjaminan Mutu Eksternal/SPME) was implemented through school accreditation, supervisory evaluation, and Education Report-based assessment. The synergy between SPMI and SPME was reflected in the utilization of external audit findings as the basis for determining priorities in the Internal Quality Audit (Audit Mutu Internal/AMI) program and school quality improvement planning. However, the achievement of an A Accreditation status did not automatically guarantee the optimal development of a quality culture in daily evaluation practices due to constraints such as limited time, heavy administrative workloads, and uneven understanding among educators regarding audit follow-up mechanisms. This study contributes to the field of educational management by offering a perspective on the importance of integrating evaluation results into strategic policies and sustainable quality improvement programs. Therefore, the synergy between internal and external quality audits serves as a crucial factor in strengthening quality culture within the school environment.