Exploration of Extracurricular Management in Building a Culture of Achievement: A Comparative Study in Two Elementary Schools in the Bekasi Area

Abstract

Extracurricular activities play a strategic role in developing students' talents, interests, and character, yet their management quality in Indonesian primary schools remains inconsistent. This study aims to describe and compare extracurricular management at two primary schools in the Bekasi area. A descriptive-comparative qualitative approach was employed using purposive sampling with four participants. Data were gathered through interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. Findings show that the first school excels through a multi-layered structure — coordinator, supervisors, and external professional coaches — backed by vision-based planning, structured BOS funding, quarterly evaluations, and active parental involvement, resulting in provincial-level championships. The second school operates only three extracurricular branches without a formal coordinator or written plans, with several programs no longer active. This study concludes that extracurricular success depends on the consistent integration of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling functions, not facilities alone. Schools lagging behind are urged to establish a coordinator structure, develop written program plans, and implement a periodic evaluation system.