Leadership is pivotal in the success of a school, particularly when it undergoes a transformation from a low-performing school to an effective one, referred to as a turnaround school. However, little is understood about the notion of turnaround school, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. This research aims to reveal the leadership strategies implemented in Indonesian primary schools that have successfully executed a turnaround from unfavourable conditions. Employing a qualitative interpretive approach to deeply explore the intricate dynamics of educational leadership in Indonesian schools, we conducted in-depth interviews with three principals recognised for bringing about significant change in their institutions as well as ten teachers who worked in those schools.