Pesantren-Based Educational Integration In Encouraging Religious Moderation Among Students

Abstract

Religious moderation needs to be strengthened among students who are exposed to intolerant religious content through social media, and madrasahs increasingly adopt pesantren-based approaches such as the Ma’had program to address this. This study analyzes the integration of pesantren-based education in encouraging religious moderation among students through the Ma’had program at MAN 2 Banyuwangi. A qualitative case study approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving 21 informants: the head of the madrasah, the Ma’had caretaker, teachers, musyrif, alumni, and students. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, and validity was checked through source and method triangulation. The findings show that the integration of pesantren-based education through the Ma’had program shapes students’ religious moderation in practice through the integration of the formal and Ma’had systems, dormitory life that fosters inclusive and anti-intolerant attitudes, the exemplarity of teachers and musyrif, and collective religious programs that help prevent radical attitudes. Together, these elements instill tolerance, inclusiveness, and polite, harmonious communication among students. This study contributes to Islamic education studies, particularly regarding models of integrating formal education and pesantren to develop moderate, tolerant, and harmonious student character in a madrasah environment.