KEPEMIMPINAN H. HAMZAH BIN UMAR (PESIRAH BELITANG) DALAM PENGEMBANGAN PENDIDIKAN DI BELITANG TAHUN 1964–1984: KAJIAN SEJARAH PENDIDIKAN

Abstract

Education is a fundamental pillar in improving the quality of human resources and promoting regional development. However, studies on the contribution of local leaders to educational development remain limited, particularly in the context of local educational history. This study aims to analyze the contribution of H. Hamzah bin Umar, the Pesirah (traditional district head) of Belitang, to the development of education in Belitang during the period of 1964–1984 from the perspective of educational history. This research employed a qualitative approach using the historical research method, which consisted of four stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The data were collected from historical documents, school archives, government publications, scholarly literature, and local historical sources related to H. Hamzah bin Umar and educational development in Belitang. The findings indicate that H. Hamzah bin Umar made significant contributions to educational development by expanding access to secondary education, donating land for the establishment of SMA Negeri 1 Belitang, and supporting the growth of educational institutions within the community. His leadership reflected educational values that emphasized social responsibility, public welfare, and sustainable educational development. From the perspective of Islamic education, these contributions represent the implementation of the principles of maslahah, social service, and ṣadaqah jāriyah through the provision of educational facilities. This study concludes that local leadership played an important role in shaping educational development in Belitang and contributed to enriching the historiography of local education in Indonesia.