Pesantren Resistance to Indonesia's National Curriculum to Defend Its Curriculum Model

Purpose: This article explores the challenges faced by pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia in reconciling the national curriculum with their traditional religious education while preserving their identity. Methods: The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing multiple case studies conducted in two pesantren in Indonesia. The study involved observations, interviews, and documentation collected from January to December 2023. Result and Conclusion: The findings reveal a contestation between the national curriculum and the curriculum offered by pesantren. While many pesantren have integrated formal education, they exhibit resistance by focusing on Islamic teachings and values. Pesantren often modify the national curriculum to align with their religious identity. This study underscores the complexity of integrating formal education with pesantren's values and emphasizes the necessity of an inclusive approach from the government to ensure the relevance of education. Furthermore, it highlights pesantren's resistance to the dominance of the national curriculum, reflecting tensions between the government's modernization agenda and the traditional values upheld by pesantren. Research Implications: This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between formal education and traditional Islamic education within Indonesia's pesantren context. It sheds light on the challenges pesantren face in maintaining their identity while conforming to national educational standards. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in shaping the educational landscape of Indonesia. Originality/ Value: This study offers original insights into the interaction between the national curriculum and pesantren's curriculum, which have not been extensively explored in existing literature. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of educational dynamics in Indonesia by examining pesantren's responses to government policies and state control. Additionally, it underscores the significance of preserving the unique identity of pesantren amidst efforts to modernize the educational system.