Kiai’s Leadership Strategies in Strengthening Religious Moderation in Islamic Boarding Schools
Abstract
The spread of radicalism in educational institutions, particularly in Islamic boarding schools, is often attributed to institutional leaders who promote a rigid interpretation of religion. The pivotal role of Kiai (Islamic scholars or leaders) and teachers in these schools is central to developing students’ attitudes toward Rahmatan lil alamin (mercy for all creation) and fostering a moderate perspective. As a role model, Kiai plays a significant role in cultivating a sense of moderation among Santri (students). This article aims to describe and analyze the leadership strategies employed by Kiai in this context. The research adopts a qualitative design with a case study approach and was conducted at the Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School in Pacet, Mojokerto, East Java. The findings highlight several key strategies Kiai Asep Saifuddin Chalim implemented, including strengthening Nahdatul Ulama traditions, implementing a rigorous selection process for teachers and Staff, adhering to fundamental principles of success, and integrating moderate values into the school curriculum. Furthermore, the Kiai’s exemplary leadership supports the development of a wise and balanced attitude among Santri.
References
Ahmad, K., & Ogunsola, O.K. (2011). An Empirical Assessment of Islamic Leadership Principles. International Journal of Commerce and Management, 21(3), 291–318. https://doi.org/10.1108/10569211111165325.
Aisyah, S., Ilmi, M.U., Rosyid, M.A., Wulandari, E., & Akhmad, F. (2022). Kiai Leadership Concept in the Scope of Pesantren Organizational Culture. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 3(1), 40–59. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v3i1.106.
Ali, N., Afwadzi, B., Abdullah, I., & Mukmin, M.I. (2021). Interreligious Literacy Learning as a Counter-Radicalization Method: A New Trend among Institutions of Islamic Higher Education in Indonesia. Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations, 32(4), 383–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/09596410.2021.1996978.
Annisa, N., Akrim, A., & Manurung, A.A. (2020). Development Of Teacher’s Professional Competency in Realizing Quality of Human Resources in the Basic School. Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science, 1(2), 156–160. https://doi.org/10.30596/ijems.v1i2.4590.
Arifin, S., Sutama, S., Aryani, S.A., Prayitno, H.J., & Waston, W. (2023). Improving the Professional Teacher Competence Through Clinical Supervision Based on Multicultural Values in Pesantren. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 6(3), 386–402. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v6i3.4037.
Aziz, A. (2020). Akar Moderasi Beragama di Pesantren (Studi Kasus di Ma’had Aly Sukorejo Situbondo dalam Terbentuknya Nilai-Nilai Moderasi Beragama). Jurnal Ilmiah Ar-Risalah: Media Keislaman, Pendidikan dan Hukum Islam, 18(1), 142–157. https://ejournal.iaiibrahimy.ac.id/index.php/arrisalah/article/view/982.
Azra, A. (2020). Moderasi Islam di Indonesia dari Ajaran, Ibadah, hingga Perilaku. Jakarta: Kencana.
Baidhawy, Z. (2015). The Muhammadiyah’s Promotion of Moderation. American Journal of Islam and Society, 32(3), 69–91. https://doi.org/10.35632/ajis.v32i3.271.
Davids, N. (2017). Islam, Moderation, Radicalism, and Justly Balanced Communities. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 37(3), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602004.2017.1384672.
Dhofier, Z. (1990). Traditional Islamic Education in the Malay Archipelago: its Contribution to the Integration of the Malay World. Indonesia Circle. School of Oriental & African Studies. Newsletter, 19(53), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/03062849008729746.
Dian, D., Masripah, I., Purwandani, D., Maliki, D.N.M., & Pane, F.A. (2022). Nurcholish Madjid’s Perspective About Thought of Religious Pluralism. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 3(2), 139–148. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v3i2.242.
Ebrahimi, M., Yusoff, K., & Ismail, R. (2021). Middle East and African Student (MEAS) Perceptions of Islam and Islamic Moderation: A Case Study. Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies, 11(1), 55–80. https://doi.org/10.18326/ijims.v11i1.55-80.
Estiani, S.W., & Hasanah, E. (2022). Principal’s Leadership Role in Improving Teacher Competence. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(2), 229–241. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v7i2.2281.
Farida, U. (2015). Radikalisme, Moderatisme, dan Liberalisme Pesantren: Melacak Pemikiran dan Gerakan Keagamaan Pesantren di Era Globalisasi. Edukasia : Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Islam, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.21043/edukasia.v10i1.789.
Firmansyah, F., Romli, SA., & Munir, M. (2024). The Urgency of Social Ethics in Santri Tradition at Muhammadiyah’s Pesantren. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 5(1), 153–170. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v5i1.991.
Fitriyana, F., Astuti, H.W., Rahman, A., Werdiningsih, R., & Idrus, S. (2023). Servant Leadership and Perceived Organizational Support for Lecturer Loyalty Through Empowerment. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 4(1), 113–127. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v4i1.318.
Gott, T., Ndiaye, S.M., Sibanyoni, L.K., & Afi, A. (2022). Grassroots Leadership as Political Leadership: An African Approach. Journal of Leadership Studies, 16(1), 32–35. https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21811.
Hafidz, M. (2021). The Role of Pesantren in Guarding the Islamic Moderation. INFERENSI: Jurnal Penelitian Sosial Keagamaan, 15(1), 117–140. https://doi.org/10.18326/infsl3.v15i1.117-140.
Hanafi, Y., Taufiq, A., Saefi, M., Ikhsan, M.A., Diyana, T.N., Thoriquttyas, T., & Anam, F.K. (2021). The New Identity of Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools in the “new normal”: The Education Leadership Response to COVID-19. Heliyon, 7(3), e06549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06549.
Hasan, K., & Juhannis, H. (2024). Religious Education and Moderation: A Bibliometric Analysis. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2292885. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2292885.
Hefner, R.W. (2011). Islamic Radicalism in a Democratizing Indonesia. In Routledge Handbook of Political Islam (pp. 121-134). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203154144.
Heriyono, H., Chrysoekamto, R., Fitriah, R.N., & Kartiko, A. (2021). Gaya Kepemimpinan Prof. Dr. Kh. Asep Saifuddin Chalim dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Kerja Karyawan di Pesantren. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 2(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v2i1.64.
Ibrahim, M., Islam, S., Zohriah, O., & Azid, M. (2024). Addressing Contemporary Ethical and Moral Issues Through Islamic Education. Journal on Islamic Studies, 1(1), 36–51. https://doi.org/10.35335/kbbzar83.
Ilyas, M., & Athwal, R. (2021). De-Radicalisation and Humanitarianism in Indonesia. Social Sciences, 10(3), 87. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10030087.
Imron, A., & Syukur, F. (2021). Religious Moderation in Pesantren Culture Era Post-Truth for Santri-College Students of Unwahas and UIN Walisongo. Edukasi Islami: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 10(001), 199–218. https://doi.org/10.30868/ei.v10i001.1782.
Jubba, H., Pabbajah, M., Abdullah, I., & Juhansar, J. (2022). Reorienting Moral Education for Millennial Muslims: The Changing Role of Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia. The Islamic Quarterly, 65(3), 423-424.
Jati, W. R., Halimatusa’diah, Syamsurijal, Aji, G. B., Nurkhoiron, M., & Tirtosudarmo, R. (2022). From Intellectual to Advocacy Movement: Islamic Moderation, the Conservatives and the Shift of Interfaith Dialogue Campaign in Indonesia. Ulumuna, 26(2), 472–499. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v26i2.572
Kader, M.R., Rofiq, M.H., & Ma’arif, M.A. (2024). Religious Moderation Education Strategy at the Mualaf Assembly. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 3(1), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v3i1.46.
Kardi, K., Basri, H., Suhartini, A., & Meliani, F. (2023). Challenges of Online Boarding Schools in the Digital Era. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 2(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v2i1.11.
Lambrecht, J., Lenkeit, J., Hartmann, A., Ehlert, A., Knigge, M., & Spörer, N. (2022). The Effect of School Leadership on Implementing Inclusive Education: How Transformational and Instructional Leadership Practices Affect Individualised Education Planning. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(9), 943–957. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1752825.
Latifa, R., Fahri, M., Subchi, I., & Mahida, N.F. (2022). The Intention of Becoming Religiously Moderate in Indonesian Muslims: Do Knowledge and Attitude Interfere? Religions, 13(6), 540. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13060540.
Lukens-Bull, R. (2005). A Peaceful Jihad: Negotiating Identity and Modernity in Muslim Java. Springer.
Ma’arif, M.A., Rofiq, M.H., & Sirojuddin, A. (2022). Implementing Learning Strategies for Moderate Islamic Religious Education in Islamic Higher Education. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v8i1.19037.
Ma’arif, M. A., Muarofah, S. L., Sianipar, G., Hariyadi, A., & Kausar, S. (2024). Implementation of PAI Learning Design in Developing Religious Tolerance in Public High Schools. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 4(4), 547–558. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v4i4.712.
Ma’arif, M.A., Zuana, M.M.M., & Sirojuddin, A. (2022). Improving Islamic Self-Motivation for Professional Development (Study in Islamic Boarding Schools). In Supporting Modern Teaching in Islamic Schools (pp. 123-134). Routledge.
Majid, N. (1997). Bilik-bilik Pesantren: Sebuah Potret Perjalanan. Jakarta: Paramadina.
Muali, C., Rofiki, M., Baharun, H., Zamroni, Z., & Sholeh, L. (2021). The Role of Sufistic-Based Kiai Leadership in Developing the Character of Santri in the Pesantren. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 13(3), 1705–1714. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v13i3.1012.
Mursalin, A., & Katsir, I. (2010). Pola Pendidikan Keagamaan Pesantren dan Radikalisme: Studi Kasus Pesantren-pesantren di Provinsi Jambi. Kontekstualita, 25(2), 36. https://e-journal.iainjambi.ac.id/index.php/kontekstualita/article/view/20
Pribadi, Y. (2022). Indonesia’s Islamic Networks in Germany: The Nahdlatul Ulama in Campaigning Islam Nusantara and Enacting Religious Agency. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 42(1), 136–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602004.2022.2064056.
Purwanto, Y., Qowaid, Q., Ma’rifataini, L., & Fauzi, R. (2019). Internalisasi Nilai Moderasi Melalui Pendidikan Agama Islam di Perguruan Tinggi Umum. EDUKASI: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Agama Dan Keagamaan, 17(2), 110-124. https://doi.org/10.32729/edukasi.v17i2.605.
Rahmat, M. (2018). Model Perkuliahan Pendidikan Agama Islam yang Damai, Moderat, dan Toleran. Nadwa: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 12(1), 39–64. https://doi.org/10.21580/nw.2018.12.1.2180.
Riyanto, W. F. (2024). Escaping Islamic Religious Noise: The Pros and Cons of the Use of Mosque Loudspeakers in Indonesia. Ulumuna, 28(1), 81–107. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v28i1.826
Rohmah, H., Rena, S., Pahrurraji, P., & Syarif, F. (2023). Implementation of Multicultural Education Values in Senior High School. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 2(2), 78–94. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v2i2.29.
Rozaq, A.K., Basri, B., & Indah, I. (2022). Kiai’s Leadership in Strengthening Santri’s Moderation Attitude in Islamic Boarding Schools. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(2), 284–294. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v7i2.2322.
Schmidt, L. (2021). Aesthetics of Authority: ‘Islam Nusantara’ and Islamic ‘Radicalism’ in Indonesian Film and Social Media. Religion, 51(2), 237–258. https://doi.org/10.1080/0048721X.2020.1868387.
Sechandini, R.A., Ratna, R.D., Zakariyah, Z., & Na’imah, F.U. (2023). Multicultural-Based Learning of Islamic Religious Education for the Development of Students’ Social Attitudes. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 2(2), 106–117. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v2i2.27.
Suharto, B. (2019). Moderasi Beragama: Dari Indonesia untuk Dunia. Yogyakarta: LKis.
Suharto, T. (2014). Gagasan Pendidikan Muhammadiyah dan NU sebagai Potret Pendidikan Islam Moderat di Indonesia. Islamica: Jurnal Studi Keislaman, 9(1), 81–109. https://doi.org/10.15642/islamica.2014.9.1.81-109.
Suharto, T. (2017). Indonesianisasi Islam: Penguatan Islam Moderat dalam Lembaga Pendidikan Islam di Indonesia. Al-Tahrir: Jurnal Pemikiran Islam, 17(1), 155-178. https://doi.org/10.21154/altahrir.v17i1.803.
Sumarto, S., & Harahap, E.K. (2019). Mengembangkan Moderasi Pendidikan Islam Melalui Peran Pengelolaan Pondok Pesantren. Riayah: Jurnal Sosial Dan Keagamaan, 4(01), 21–30. https://e-journal.metrouniv.ac.id/riayah/article/view/1488.
Syafruddin, S., Arfah, M., Andayani, E., Sirojuddin, A., & Yolanda, E. (2022). Strategic Management of Islamic Boarding School In Building Student Character. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 167–173. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v7i1.2237.
Terry, G.R. (1993). Prinsip-prinsip manajemen. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara.
Terry, G.R. (1977). Principles of Management. R. D. Irwin.
Thompson, A.A., & Strickland, A.J. (2001). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. McGraw-Hill/Irvin.
Umar, M., Ismail, F., Rahmi, S., & Arifin, Z. (2024). Transforming of Moderate Character Education in Islamic Educational Institutions. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 171–188. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v7i1.4168.
Wajdi, F., Sanusi, A., Mulyasana, D., Sauri, S., Khori, A., & Saepuloh, S. (2022). The Pattern of Leadership of Kiai in Managing Learning Pesantren. Nidhomul Haq : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v7i1.1832.
Widjaja, G., Bhattacharya, S., Ma’arif, M.A., & Aslan, A. (2022). Anti-Radicalism Islamic Education Strategy in Islamic Boarding Schools. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Indonesia, 6(2), 74–85. https://doi.org/10.35316/jpii.v6i2.405.
Woodward, M. (2017). Resisting Salafism and the Arabization of Indonesian Islam: A Contemporary Indonesian Didactic Tale by Komaruddin Hidayat. Contemporary Islam, 11(3), 237–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-017-0388-4.
Yani, M.T., Mahfud, C., Sa’adillah, S.A.P.R., Bustami, M.R., Maskuri, & Taufiq, A. (2022). Advancing the discourse of Muslim politics in Indonesia: A study on political orientation of Kiai as religious elites in Nahdlatul Ulama. Heliyon, 8(12), e12218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12218.
Zakariyah, Z., Fauziyah, U., & Kholis, M.M.N. (2022). Strengthening the Value of Religious Moderation in Islamic Boarding Schools. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 3(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v3i1.104.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: (1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal; (2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal; (3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).