FROM COMPLIANCE TO CULTURE: PPEPP-BASED QUALITY CONTROL IN ISLAMIC STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (PTKIN)

Objective: This study examines the shift of quality control from procedural compliance to a quality culture through the PPEPP cycle in Indonesian Islamic state higher education (PTKIN), using IAIN Kerinci as a case. Method: A qualitative case-study design traces quality as everyday practice rather than documentation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with senior leaders, the internal quality assurance institute (LPM), faculty/program quality units, lecturers, and students; observations of academic and administrative services and quality meetings; and document analysis of SPMI standards, internal audit (AMI) reports, management review (RTM) minutes, and follow-up plans. Analysis applied iterative data condensation, display, and verification. Results: The findings show that PPEPP, AMI, and RTM function to close the loop by translating evaluation results into corrective decisions and monitored follow-up. However, implementation consistency varies across units due to uneven quality literacy, reliance on key individuals, and incomplete digital integration. Novelty: The study recommends risk-based auditing, an integrated quality-data dashboard, and structured student–alumni engagement to strengthen accountability and accreditation outcomes.