Pesantren as Educational Institutions and Social Forces: A Narrative Review of the Role of Ulama in Indonesia's Political Dynamics

Afriantoni Afriantoni; Rahmad Kurnia; Mgs Ronaldi; Elsyafira Elsyafira; Suci Ramadhania

Afriantoni Afriantoni Department of Islamic Education Management, Raden Fatah State Islamic University, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Rahmad Kurnia Department of Islamic Education Management, Raden Fatah State Islamic University, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Mgs Ronaldi Department of Islamic Education Management, Raden Fatah State Islamic University, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Elsyafira Elsyafira Department of Islamic Education Management, Raden Fatah State Islamic University, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Suci Ramadhania Department of Islamic Education Management, Raden Fatah State Islamic University, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Keywords: Pesantren, Islamic Education, Social Force, Ulama, Islamic Politics.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of pesantren as educational institutions and social forces, as well as to analyze the contribution of ulama to social and political dynamics in Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative approach with a literature study design that utilizes various books, scientific journals, and relevant academic sources as data sources. The findings indicate that pesantren have a strategic role as Islamic educational institutions that function not only as centers for the transmission of religious knowledge but also as means of character formation through the integration of cognitive, affective, and spiritual aspects. In addition, pesantren serve as social forces capable of building solidarity, maintaining social stability, and empowering communities. This study also demonstrates that pesantren and ulama have a close relationship, in which pesantren serve as the foundation for the formation of ulama who exert influence on the social and political life of society. In this context, ulama act as agents of social change while simultaneously serving as guardians of moral values within the political dynamics of society. However, the involvement of ulama in politics requires balance in order to preserve their integrity and moral independence. Thus, pesantren and ulama constitute important elements in the development of society based on Islamic, social, and national values.