Integration of Local Wisdom Culture into the Islamic Education Curriculum Based on Islam Nusantara: Pesantren Management for Strengthening Santri Character

Nur Laili; Abdul Aziz; Sudadi

Authors

Nur Laili Universitas Ma'arif Lampung, Indonesia Author
Abdul Aziz Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Darul Fatah, Tangerang, Indonesia Author
Sudadi Institut Agama Islam Nahdlatul Ulama (IAINU), Kebumen, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Pesantren, local wisdom, Islamic education curriculum, Islam Nusantara, Islamic education management

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of local wisdom culture into the Islamic education curriculum within pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) based on the framework of Islam Nusantara, with a particular focus on Islamic education management as a means of strengthening santri character. The central problem is the increasing erosion of local values amid globalization and the homogenization of Islamic education. Field observations in three pesantren in East Java revealed that institutions implementing local wisdom traditions—such as gotong royong, grebeg maulid, and nyadran—exhibited a significantly higher level of social cohesion (82.3%) compared to those that did not (45.6%). However, no structured management model currently integrates these three domains. This research aims to formulate an integration model of pesantren, local wisdom, and the Islam Nusantara curriculum within the framework of Islamic education management. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed‑method design with a sample of 450 santri and 30 pesantren caregivers. The findings demonstrate that the integration model based on the triple helix educational framework (pesantren–community–government) effectively enhances moderate Islamic understanding (score increase of 34.2%) and participation in cultural activities (increase of 47.8%). The study concludes that adaptive Islamic education management responsive to local wisdom is the key to transforming pesantren toward an Islam Nusantara that embodies rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to all creation). The novelty of this research lies in the development of a locally grounded hidden curriculum integrated into pesantren graduate competency standards.

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