Beyond Religious Studies: Pesantren as a Gateway to Economic and Civilizational Revival
Abstract
In an era of digital transformation and renewed interest in Islamic economic tools, pesantren remain pivotal institutions within Indonesian society—deeply rooted in heritage, yet increasingly confronted with modern challenges. This exploratory study examines pesantren in the Parungpanjang area, focusing on how they sustain their operations and identities amid shifting technological and economic landscapes. Grounded in field research, including interviews and surveys, this study develops a typology of four pesantren models: Digital Pesantren, Waqf-Supported Pesantren, Hybrid Pesantren, and Traditional Pesantren. These models reflect varying degrees of adaptation to digital management tools and contemporary waqf systems. Rather than treating digitalization or economic instruments as end goals, the study positions them as strategic differentiators that reveal how pesantren respond to broader transformations while maintaining cultural and religious autonomy. The findings highlight both the resilience and diversity of pesantren in navigating modernity and underscore the importance of context-aware innovation in sustaining these heritage institutions
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