Optimizing Entrepreneurship Education to Grow Urban Students' Entrepreneurial Intentions

This study explores the impact of optimizing entrepreneurship education on students' entrepreneurial intentions within religious institutional environments. Employing a descriptive-qualitative approach, the research utilizes literature reviews, ethnographic studies, empirical analysis, and case studies to examine the roles of Islamic teachers (kyais) in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) located in Bandung, Purwakarta, and Sumedang of West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through literature reviews, participatory observation, in-depth interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions (FGDs) and analyzed using thematic, comparative, data triangulation, and contextual analysis techniques. The findings indicate that teachers play a crucial role in entrepreneurship education through transformational leadership, including charismatic behavior, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Teachers effectively motivated students and communities to pursue entrepreneurship by integrating Islamic values into business practices. At Pesantren 'Aisyiyah Boarding School (ABS) Bandung, MAS Darussalam Sumedang, and Ponpes Al-Muhajirin Purwakarta, teachers employ a range of strategies from entrepreneurship training to moral and financial support to enhance entrepreneurial competencies. This research underscores the significance of teachers’ contributions to developing effective entrepreneurship curricula that align with religious values. Received: 30 January 2025 / Accepted: 29 April 2025 / Published: 06 May 2025