Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim’s research lies at the intersection of educational leadership, organizational behavior, community well-being, and educational policy. Drawing on his background in social and organizational psychology, education, and public policy, he is interested in understanding how individuals, organizations, and communities respond to change, navigate complexity, and address inequality. His experience in both academic research and national policy development has shaped his interdisciplinary approach, bringing together psychological, organizational, and policy perspectives to better understand educational challenges.

1. Research on Local Community Leader.

This study investigates the role of local community leaders in navigating the complexities of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) program in West Java, with a focus on Bandung City and West Bandung Regency. Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the study identifies key implementation challenges, examines stakeholder interactions, and explores how local community leaders contribute to addressing complex problems and strengthening program implementation. The research is a collaborative initiative involving four institutions: The Center of Social Welfare, Village and Connectivity Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Depok; the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung; and the West Java Regional Research and Development Agency (BP2D). The study is funded by the four institutions involved.

Keywords:
Free Nutritious Meals; Makan Bergizi Gratis; Local Community Leaders; Soft Systems Methodology; Program Implementation; Community Leadership; West Java

2. International Simulation-based Learning for School Leaders (ISLSL) Project.

This study forms part of the ISLSL Project, a global research and professional development initiative involving 16 countries and led by Professor Philip Hallinger of Mahidol University, Thailand. The project investigates the potential of online simulations as an innovative means of preparing and assessing future school principals and educational leaders. By providing realistic leadership scenarios and opportunities for decision-making, simulation-based learning offers a promising approach to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and authentic leadership practice. The Indonesian component of the project is conducted by Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim and Bambang Sumintono PhD, examining the applicability and potential of this approach within the Indonesian context and contributing to international comparative research on educational leadership development. The research is supported by funding from the Research Collaboration and Innovation (RKI) program.

Keywords:
Educational Leadership; School Principals; Online Simulation; Leadership Development; Simulation-Based Learning; Professional Development

3. Book chapter on Crisis-Resilient Leadership

This study examines organizational resilience within Indonesian pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), focusing on how these institutions develop the capacity to anticipate, absorb, and respond to disruption before crises emerge. Conducted collaboratively by lecturers Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim and Bambang Sumintono PhD, together with students Anza Zahya Qeysha and Khalifaturrahman, the study explores culturally embedded leadership practices, that contribute to institutional resilience. Drawing on a qualitative multi-case analysis, the study challenges the conventional view that organizational resilience primarily emerges as a response to crisis. Instead, it highlights how shared values, collective practices, and culturally grounded leadership can foster enduring institutional stability amid persistent uncertainty. The study contributes to organizational resilience scholarship by offering contextually grounded insights from Indonesian pesantren and the broader Global South. The research is independently funded by the researchers.

Keywords:
Organizational Resilience; Pesantren; Islamic Boarding Schools; Culturally Embedded Leadership; Musyawarah; Khidmah; Global South