PESANTREN IN DYNAMIC TRANSFORMATION: Harmonizing Classical Roots and Modern Practices

Caught between the pull of tradition and the push of modernity, pesantren in Indonesia is navigating a crucial transformation in the landscape of Islamic education. This study examines pesantren’s strategies to preserve its traditional identity, the extent to which modernization has influenced its educational practices, and how this institution balances religious heritage with contemporary reforms. A narrative review reveals that, despite external pressures (i.e., colonial rule and state policies) and its active role in civil society, pesantren contunues to preserve traditional Islam by sustaining classical Islamic scholarship, moral teachings, and kyai-led authority. At the same time, many have modernized by broadening their curriculum, adopting inclusive governance, integrating digital tools, and aligning with national education policies to enhance institutional capacity and educational relevance. These pesantrens exemplify a careful balancing act by selectively integrating modern educational reforms while steadfastly preserving their religious traditions to maintain both relevance in contemporary society and continuity of their Islamic identity. Overall, these findings underscore the pesantren’s resilience, adaptability, and significance in today’s Indonesian educational context.