Transformation of Islamic Boarding Schools and Islamic Higher Education in Responding to Globalization Challenges: Institutional Adaptation and Innovation Strategies
Keywords:
Islamic Boarding School, Islamic Higher Education, Institutional Transformation , Innovation StrategyAbstract
This study aims to analyze the transformation of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and Islamic higher education institutions in responding to globalization challenges and to formulate sustainable institutional development strategies. The urgency of this research lies in the massive socio-cultural and technological changes that threaten the relevance of traditional Islamic education. Using a qualitative library research approach, this study examined various scientific literatures published between 2016 and 2026 sourced from academic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Data analysis was performed using content analysis methods with source triangulation to ensure validity. The findings reveal that pesantren have transformed through three main pathways: integration of traditional diniyah and modern formal education, digitalization of learning, and reinforcement of religious moderation. Meanwhile, Islamic universities have transformed through integration of religious and general sciences, strengthening research and publication culture, and internationalization. The main challenges include limited human resources, low research and technology capacity, and resistance to change. The limitations of this study lie in the absence of primary field data from direct observation or interviews with institutional managers. Therefore, further empirical research using mixed methods is needed to test the effectiveness of the identified transformation strategies. The implications suggest that sustainable transformation requires improving educator competencies, modernizing institutional governance, strengthening multi-sector collaboration, and developing institutional economic independence.
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