Determinants and Trajectories of Santri Interest in Agriculture Across Pesantren in East Java, Indonesia

In Indonesia, people are increasingly recognizing the potential of Islamic boarding schools (Pesantren) for agricultural development. However, the internal process of Santri (Pesantren students) engagement, particularly the shift from initial reluctance to engagement and entrepreneurship in resilient agriculture, remains largely unexplored. This study examines the transformative journey of Santri in cultivating an interest in agricultural entrepreneurship, focusing on the evolution of their attitudes and motivations, and fills a gap in the literature on how Santri develop their interest in agriculture internally. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis using a multi-site qualitative case study approach in traditional (Salafiyah), modern (Khalafiyah), and semi-modern Pesantren. The findings show different yet converging transformative pathways. Santri often overcomes initial reluctance caused by ignorance or peer influence through mentor teachers’ engagement, experiential learning, and strong mentorship. Key drivers include pivotal guidance from Kiai or Pesantren leaders and teachers (especially in Salafiyah Pesantren), tangible benefits from agribusiness, such as the experience of intensive melon cultivation (Modern), which sparked entrepreneurial interest, and the development of deep intrinsic motivation combined with community support (Semi-modern). Institutions can overcome challenges, such as negative peer perceptions and limited resources, through resilience and adaptive strategies. This study highlights that the Santri journey is not only a process of skill acquisition but also of profound self-development. The findings offer actionable insights for leveraging faith-based educational models to cultivate a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and a significant potential contribution to Indonesia’s food security and rural economic resilience.