The Transformation of Pesantren: Preserving Tradition, Building the Future

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Pesantren, as traditional Islamic educational institutions, have played a pivotal role in the religious and cultural development of Islam in Indonesia. They are vital in strengthening the faith and devotion of the Muslim community while preserving Islamic traditions.

Despite its longstanding presence, pesantren have faced numerous challenges, including the struggle for recognition as an indigenous educational institution. Today, pesantren are confronted with a new dilemma brought on by the rapid advancement of technology, which has reshaped every aspect of life, including public perceptions of these institutions. Pesantren now stand at a crossroads: either embrace a “new identity” in response to these developments or continue adhering strictly to their unique, traditional roots.

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In reality, pesantren must adapt to technological advancements. While they serve as cultural strongholds from earlier times, ignoring technological progress risks leaving them far behind other educational systems. The integration of technology is essential for modernizing teaching methods and enhancing the management of pesantren. This ensures that pesantren can effectively engage with globalization and modernization, all while safeguarding the Islamic values and traditions they hold dear.

Historically, pesantren were places of self-cultivation, preparing individuals for leadership roles. However, in today’s technological era, they can no longer rely solely on teaching classical Islamic texts authored by the scholars of the past. To equip their students, pesantren must incorporate modern technology into their curricula, ensuring that santri (students) are not left technologically illiterate and can adapt to the demands of globalization. By combining contemporary issues with the classical teachings they study daily, santri are better prepared to navigate the modern world, where problems often cannot be addressed solely through traditional religious rulings.

Technology, designed to simplify human activities, should not be alien to pesantren. It offers great potential as a tool for good, and pesantren must distinguish between the beneficial and harmful aspects of technological innovation. Remaining resistant to technological advancements risks stagnation and irrelevance.

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