Transformation of Pesantren Education as a Starting Point for Religious Moderation in Indonesia

As a cornerstone of education in Indonesia, Pesantren education has a significant historical and cultural role in shaping religious understanding and national character. Today, pesantren are not only centers of knowledge, da'wah (preaching), and community development but also agents of change in thought and attitude towards civility and humanity. However, this latter role has not yet been fully realized. This study explores how the transformation of pesantren education can serve as a starting point towards religious moderation, specifically in transforming understanding and attitudes to ensure that students become moderate in line with the goals of religious education in Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study design, collecting data through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation at several pesantren in West Java, Indonesia. Curriculum development is identified as part of the transformation process. Collected data are analyzed thematically to uncover the main patterns and impacts of the transformation on students' moderate understanding and attitudes. The study finds that pesantren offering formal education with an integrated national and local curriculum impacts students' moderate understanding and attitudes in four aspects: national commitment, tolerance, anti-violence, and friendliness towards local culture.