Strategi Pesantren dalam Mempertahankan Eksistensi dan Relevansi pada Era Digital

Studi Kasus di Pesantren Darulmuta’allimin Tanah Merah

Abstract

This study addresses the importance of the continued existence of traditional Islamic boarding schools amidst the wave of technological disruption. The era of digital demands that Islamic educational institutions transform to remain relevant without losing their Islamic identity. This research aims to analyze the strategies employed by Pesantren Darul Muta’allimin Tanah Merah to maintain its existence and educational relevance in the digital age, as well as to identify the factors supporting and hindering the implementation of these strategies. A qualitative approach utilizing a case study method was adopted. Data collection involved participant observation, in-depth interviews with the school leader, teachers, and students, alongside a review of relevant documents. The findings indicate that strategies to maintain existence included adaptive-proactive leadership by the teachers, digital-based administrative modernization, and strengthened institutional branding via social media, all while maintaining restrictions on student device usage to uphold moral values. Educational relevance was preserved through an integrative curriculum combining the study of classical Islamic texts with technological literacy, utilizing digital devices as learning aids. Supporting factors included the visionary commitment of the leadership, the solidarity of the management team, the readiness of educators, and full support from students' guardians. Conversely, primary obstacles included limited information technology infrastructure, unstable internet connectivity in the district, budgetary constraints, and varying levels of digital literacy among teachers. In conclusion, Pesantren Darul Muta’allimin has successfully maintained its existence and relevance through a harmonious blend of management modernization and the preservation of orthodox salafiah values.