Revitalization of the Salaf Islamic Boarding School: The Educational Identity of the Indonesian Nation

Abstract

Purpose: The Salaf Islamic Boarding School at Kempek is assumed to be traditional following old-fashioned curriculum based on Islamic knowledge, but in the era of globalization it is flexible to adapt to modern methods This research aimed to reveal how the revitalization of Islamic boarding schools was carried out, what its implications are; and how it was integrated with the old-fashioned methods. Methodology: A qualitative and descriptive research design with a historical approach guided this study. The population comprised the kiai and the santri at the Kempek pesantren. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The findings were processed through content analysis methods, retrieving the underlying themes, and analyzing deeply.

Findings: The results reveal that the Kempek Islamic boarding schools have vitalized the development of the Qur’an and developed the yellow book and religious education strictly on Islamic practices. This metamorphosis took place by combining the Islamic boarding school curriculum, the technological advancements and giving way to modern techniques of curriculum teaching. Implications to Research and Practice: It is hoped this study would open new avenues and offer useful insights to strengthen the Kempek Islamic boarding school and its various dynamics.