STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PESANTREN: INNOVATIONS FOR ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL QUALITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract This study examines the strategic management practices at Pesantren KHAS Kempek to enhance the quality of education and maintain organizational sustainability. The qualitative method was used to obtain data through semi-structured interviews, and the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was also used to encourage input from important stakeholders such as Pesantren leaders and educational managers. Qualitative coding and thematic categorization were conducted using NVivo 12 software for data analysis. Using Total Quality Management (TQM) and Transformational Leadership theory as a framework, the research explores the strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation process. Specifically, three major dimensions emerged: (1) Strategic Formulation, which emphasizes a collaborative planning process aimed at enhancing traditional Islamic curricula (kitab kuning) while broadening educational offerings in response to societal demands; (2) Implementation, which highlights the importance of capacity-building among educators, technology integration, and strategic partnerships; and (3) Evaluation, which refers to the systematic process of assessing the alignment of program effectiveness with institutional objectives through regular evaluative reviews. The result is extremely employable graduates, heightened public trust, and financial sustainability. Despite these challenges, like limited infrastructure or the need for curriculum adaptation, the Pesantren directly engages with these by investing in infrastructure expansion and developing new pedagogical approaches. It presents a model for Islamic education institutions that seeks to integrate traditional Pesantren values with the demands of modern education. Notably, it finds that when such integration is done holistically and is context-sensitive, it is a successful process.