Publication Details
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to analyze the rights of kiai in the transformation and development of Islamic boarding schools, focusing on one such school in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Method: The research employs a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation, involving kiai, teachers, and other relevant parties as research informants. Results: The study shows that the rights of kiai play a strategic role in the development of Islamic boarding schools, including authority over facility and infrastructure management, curriculum development, educator development, and the strengthening of students' character. The implementation of kiai rights is carried out through strengthening the superior programs of Islamic boarding schools, such as tahfiz Al-Qur'an and learning the yellow book, strict selection of educators, and fostering student discipline and morals. This study also found that the optimization of kiai rights still faces challenges, including limited numbers of professional educators, significant educational financing needs, and competition among Islamic educational institutions. Local government support through institutional cooperation, facility development, and human resource training is an important factor in supporting the transformation of Islamic boarding schools. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the rights of kiai as a strategic instrument for strengthening the leadership of Islamic boarding schools and improving the quality of Islamic education in the modern era. This research makes an empirical contribution to the development of Islamic education leadership studies based on institutional transformation and sustainable pesantren governance.