Pembiasaan Religius sebagai Strategi Penguatan Karakter Mahasiswa di Pesantren Mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah PKU Surakarta

Abstract

Strengthening student character requires not only the delivery of values but also habituation that enables students to internalize and apply these values in everyday life. This study aims to analyze religious habituation as a strategy for strengthening student character at the Student Islamic Boarding School of Universitas Muhammadiyah PKU Surakarta. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach supported by descriptive quantitative data. Data were collected through a questionnaire involving 217 students, interviews with 20 students representing varied experiences during the program, and documentation of Student Islamic Boarding School activities. The data were analyzed descriptively through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate positive tendencies in religious habituation, character development, perceived program effectiveness, and students’ experiences and perceived impacts. Habituation through congregational prayer, Qur’an recitation, dhikr and supplication, memorization, mentoring, and role modeling was perceived to support students’ discipline, responsibility, respect, trustworthiness, and religious awareness. Qualitative findings further indicate a process moving from compliance with external rules toward more autonomous habits and awareness. Thus, religious habituation represents a potentially valuable strategy for strengthening student character within a residential Islamic educational context.