Integrating Tradition and Modernity in Islamic Education Management in Indonesian Madrasahs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59373/kharisma.v5i1.144Keywords:
Islamic Education Management, Tradition and Modernity, Technology Integration, Organizational Change, Indonesian MadrasahsAbstract
Islamic education in Indonesian madrasahs faces the complex challenge of integrating conservative religious values with modern educational demands. This study aims to analyze the managerial strategies utilized to navigate this integration within the institutional framework of madrasahs. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis across four distinct madrasah typologies, involving principals and teachers. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis. The findings reveal four primary managerial challenges: delayed transition due to resistance from human resources, infrastructure disparities stemming from financial constraints, a lack of training combined with stakeholder fragmentation, and non-integrated management systems. To address these systemic issues, the study identifies four corresponding managerial solutions: facilitating the balanced accommodation of tradition and modernity, optimizing available technology and resources, providing continuous teacher development programs alongside strong stakeholder collaboration, and establishing a unified management system. The study concludes that successful integration requires moving beyond mere curriculum adjustments to implement robust change management and cohesive institutional governance. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic education by proposing that madrasahs can sustain their religious identity while embracing educational innovation. These insights offer a practical framework for educational leaders and policymakers to modernize institutions effectively.
Downloads
References
Adiyono, A., Patimah, L., Malik, A., & Abdurrohim, A. (2025). Teacher Creativity and Students’ Comprehension of Religious Values: Evidence from Inclusive Education. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 4(2), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v4i2.215
Ahmed, F. (2018). An exploration of Naquib al-Attas’ theory of Islamic education as ta’dīb as an ‘indigenous’ educational philosophy. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 50(8), 786–794. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2016.1247685
Ahwan, Z., & Karfida, P. D. (2025). The Role of Parental Communication in Cultivating Children’s Mental Resilience with Islamic Values to Overcome Bullying. Communicator: Journal of Communication, 2(1), 12–26. https://doi.org/10.59373/comm.v2i1.48
Ahyani, Siswanto, R., & Romadhan, S. (2024). Leadership Management of the Head of Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah Awaliyah to Improve Teachers’ Work Ethic. Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 1(2), 141–150. https://doi.org/10.59373/jelin.v1i2.44
Al Faruqi, I. R. (1989). Islamization Of Knowledge General Principles and Work Plan.
Al-farel, D., Yusri, R. A., Zaandami, M. N., & Nurjanah. (2024). Integrating Technology into Islamic Studies: Opportunities and Challanges in the Digital Age. Journal Islamic Education, 3(2). https://maryamsejahtera.com/index.php/Education/index
Amalia, E. R. (2026). Leadership Dynamics in Islamic-Based Schools: A Systematic Review of Southeast Asia (2015–2025). At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 5(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v5i1.231
Apriliani, I., & Justitia, T. (2021). The Implementation of Islamic Education in Muslim Minority Area. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 4(2), 150–161. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v4i2.1224
Arianto, A. M., Mariyadi, Jupitasari, M., & Syahrani, A. (2025). Implementation of the School Literacy Movement as a Development of 21st Century Skills: A Case Study of Journalism Extracurricular Activities. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 6(4), 1137–1155. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v6i4.2421
Arief, M. Y., Tsauri, S., Judijanto, L., Ansori, Afra, N., & Kartiko, A. (2025). Principal Leadership: Effective Strategy in Increasing Entrepreneurship Spirit in Schools. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(2), 281–294. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i2.1735
Arif, M., Nasir, R., & Ma’arif, M. A. (2025). The Kitab Kuning Learning Model in the Development of Student Expertise in Pesantren-Based Higher Education. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 52–74. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i1.8
Aryasutha, R., Kusrini, N. A. R., Ulya, J. N., & Septiani, N. S. (2025). The Teacher Mover’s Contribution in Enhancing the Pancasila Student Profile: A Systematic Literature Review on Values Education. Adiluhung: Journal of Islamic Values and Civilization, 1(1), 42–63. https://doi.org/10.59373/adiluhung.v2i1.115
Azzukhrufi, J. R., Fitriana, F., Hariyati, N., Trihantoyo, S., & Ahyat, M. (2026). Critical Leadership to Overcome Organizational Inertia and Drive Innovation in High-Performance Organizations. Nidhomul Haq : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 11(1), 46–61. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndhq.v11i1.321
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Briliant, A., & Mustofa, T. A. (2025). Holistic Approach in Islamic Education: The Integration of Spiritual Aspects In Merdeka Curriculum. Mimbar Pendidikan, 10(2), 193–206. https://doi.org/10.17509/mimbardik.v10i2
Budiartini, N. N., Handayani, N. N. L., & Hadriani, N. L. G. (2025). Pengaruh Model Contextual Teaching Learning Berbasis Tri Hita Karana Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Dan Hasil Belajar: The Effect of the Tri Hita Karana-Based Contextual Teaching and Learning Model on Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcomes. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(3), 768–780. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i3.1091
Cahyanto, B., Wibowo, A. M., Arifuddin, A., Dewi, D. K., Salamah, E. R., & Don, A. G. (2025). Innovation of Brand Building and Character Development in Islamic School: A Transformation Based on School Core Values. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(3), 465–481. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i3.1784
Chande, A. (2023). Global Politics of Knowledge Production: The Challenges of Islamization of Knowledge in The Light of Tradition Vs Secular Modernity Debate. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 6(2), 271–289. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v6i2.3502
Chrismastianto, I. A. W., & Sriartha, I. P. (2025). Institutionalizing Pawongan: A Local Wisdom-Based Framework for Preventing Social Conflict in Multicultural Bali. Religious: Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama Dan Lintas Budaya, 9(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15575/rjsalb.v9i1.35559
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. SAGE Publications.
Daulay, B., Haidir, & Firmansyah. (2024). The influence of managerial competence and achievement motivation on the leadership effectiveness of high school principals. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 43(2), 411–421. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v43i2.61912
Encung, E., & Rusydi, I. (2026). Implementation of Philosophy of Religion Principles In Islamic Education of Islamic Boarding School. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 7(2), 415–431. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v7i2.2436
Erdin, Y., & Uzun, L. (2022). An in-depth look into perceived technology proficiency of Turkish teachers of English and their technology practices. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 5(1), 169–189. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.990908
Escandon-Barbosa, D., & Salas-Páramo, J. (2023). The role of informal institutions in the relationship between innovation and organisational learning in export performance: A bidirectional relation? Asia Pacific Management Review, 28(2), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2022.08.001
Faizah, S. N., Yuliati, L., & Pristiani, R. (2025). Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Prospective Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teachers. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(2), 496–518. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i2.189
Fandir, A. (2024). Transformation of Islamic Education: Implementation of Technological Innovation in Education Management. Jurnal Ilmiah Mandala Education (JIME), 10(1), 2656–5862. https://doi.org/10.58258/jime.v9i1.6625/http
Fattah, M. A. (2019). Higher Islamic Education and the Development of Intellectualism in Egypt: Case study of Al-Azhar Education System. Interdisciplinary Journal of Education, 2(2).
Fauziyah, Nuha, A. A., Mehnaz, & Darmaningrum, K. T. (2025). Da’wah and Innovation for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Market Traders in The Digital Era. Communicator: Journal of Communication, 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.59373/comm.v2i1.95
Fernando, E., & Yusnan, M. B. B. M. (2022). The Tradition of Rejectiveness: The Character of Responsibility in Islamic Education Values. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam Indonesia (JPAII), 3(4), 100–105. https://doi.org/10.37251/jpaii.v3i4.945
Hakim, L. (2023). Pesantren as the Identity of Islamic and Cultural Education in West Java. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(4), 4578–4586. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i4.3369
Hamdanah, H., Baharun, H., Najiburrohman, N., Thohir, P. F. D. M., & Sanjani, M. A. F. (2025). The Role of Kiai Leadership and Service Quality in Shaping the Reputation of Pesantren. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(4), 695–709. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i4.1785
Hargreaves, A., & Fullan, M. (2010). Professional capital: Transformng teaching in every school. Teachers college press.
Hasyim, S., & Masykuri, M. (2015). Modern pesantren and their engagement with the globalized world. Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies, 6(1), 25–40.
Hermita, N., Shirazi, S., Talib, C. A., & Ahmad, N. J. (2025). Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in Graduates: An Experiential Learning Approach. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(2), 1477–1496. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i2.1378
Hidayatullah, S. (2018). Konsep ilmu pengetahuan syed hussein nashr: Suatu telaah relasi sains dan agama. Jurnal Filsafat, 28(1), 113. https://doi.org/10.22146/jf.30199
Huda, M., Safar, J., Mohamed, A. K., Jasmi, K. A., & Basiron, B. (2020). Global Perspectives on Teaching and Learning Paths in Islamic Education. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-8528-2
Ikhwan, A., Zukhrufin, F. K., & Triyuliasari, A. (2025). Integrated Islamic School Marketing Management in Indonesia: Competitive or Business Oriented? Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(2), 174–191. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i2.1759
Kabalmay, T., Rahmadewi, S., Aziz, A. N. M. A., & Tantawi, I. (2025). Analyzing Cognitive Skill Balance in Arabic Summative Assessments: A Case Based on LOST-MOST-HOST Framework. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 4(2), 163–177. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v4i2.174
Kim, Y., & Choi, T. H. (2023). The influence of the Programme for International Student Assessment on educational governance situated in the institutional setting of South Korea. Policy Futures in Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231192741
Kosim, M., Muqoddam, F., Mubarok, F., & Laila, N. Q. (2023). The dynamics of Islamic education policies in Indonesia. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2172930
Lafrarchi, N. (2020). Assessing islamic religious education curriculum in flemish public secondary schools. Religions, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11030110
Laig, R. B. D., & Abocejo, F. T. (2021). Change Management Process in a Mining Company: Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model. Journal of Management, Economics, and Industrial Organization, 31–50. https://doi.org/10.31039/jomeino.2021.5.3.3
Lestari, T., Rahmayana, A., & Agustiana, F. (2025). Transformation of Pesantren Education in the Digital Era: AI Innovation and Adaptation for Technology-Based Learning. Electronic Integrated Computer Algorithm Journal, 2(2), 86–90. https://doi.org/10.62123/enigma.v2i2.58
Lingga, M. F., & Rambe, A. H. (2026). Pengembangan Media Gambar Seri Berbasis Puzzle Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Menulis Narasi Siswa Kelas IV MI: Development of a Puzzle-Based Picture Series to Improve Narrative Writing Skills Among Fourth-Grade Students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 9(1), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v9i1.1167
Lukens-Bull, R. (2010). Madrasa by Other Name: Pondok, Pesantren, and Islamic Schools in Indonesia and Larger Southeast Asian Region. JOURNAL OF INDONESIAN ISLAM, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.15642/JIIS.2010.4.1.1-21
Lukens-Bull, R. (2019). Pesantren, Madrasa and the Future of Islamic Education in Indonesia. Kawalu: Journal of Local Culture, 6(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.32678/kawalu.v6i1.2044
Mahsusi, Hudaa, S., Fahmi, M., Kusen, Haryanti, N. D., & Wajdi, M. B. N. (2024). Achieving excellence: The role of digital transformation in madrasah management and Islamic culture. Cogent Arts and Humanities, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2024.2304407
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (Fourth edition, International student edition). SAGE.
Mirawati, Tjahjono, H. K., Hamami, T., & Suud, F. M. (2025). Self-Management Strategy of Students in Facing Fomo Challenges and Increasing Social Media Involvement in Islamic Boarding School. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i1.129
Mokhtar, F., Abdullah @Abdul Aziz, N. F., & Tumiran, M. A. (2025). BRIDGING TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION IN THE MODERN ERA. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(2), 297–307. https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i2.640
Muslim, M., Hs, N., & Alfiah, A. (2025). The Principal’s Strategy in Improving the Quality of Islamic Education. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 6(4), 1059–1079. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v6i4.2074
Noshinfard, M., & Farhadpour, F. (2023). Identifying the Interoperability Factors of Academic Information Systems in Islamic Azad University: A Mixed Research. Journal of Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems, 10(34), 179–224. https://doi.org/10.22054/jks.2022.70693.1544
Raeesi, S. A., Parveen, R., & Nargis. (2021). Islamic view of modernism and rationalism An intellectual debate. Al Khadim Research Journal of Islamic Culture and Civilization, 2(3), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.53575/arjicc.v2.03(21)u8.103-110
Ramadhan, R. S., Kusrini, N. A. R., & Ardianto, A. (2025). The Bridging the Lingustic Gap: Challenges in Building AI Models For Non-Standard Dialects. Attaqwa: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 21(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.54069/attaqwa.v21i1.978
Rohman, A., Muhtamiroh, S., Imron, A., & Miyono, N. (2023). Integrating traditional-modern education in madrasa to promote competitive graduates in the globalization era. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2268456
Rozanita, T. P., Usman, M. U. K., & Azzukhrufi, J. R. (2026). Dialectics of Indonesian Culture and Malaysian Local Wisdom: Multicultural Learning Strategies at Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur. Attaqwa: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 22(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.54069/attaqwa.v22i1.1115
Schellekens, L. H., van der Schaaf, M. F., van der Vleuten, C. P. M., Prins, F. J., Wools, S., & Bok, H. G. J. (2023). Developing a digital application for quality assurance of assessment programmes in higher education. Quality Assurance in Education, 31(2), 346–366. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-03-2022-0066
Sholeh, M. I. (2023). Technology Integration in Islamic Education: Policy Framework and Adoption Challenges. Journal of Modern Islamic Studies and Civilization, 1(02), 82–100. https://doi.org/10.59653/jmisc.v1i02.155
Sormin, M. R., Siregar, A. K., & Nasution, B. H. (2025). Challenges Faced by Pesantren in South Tapanuli in Implementing the Regulation of the Minister of Religious Affairs No. 31 of 2020. Dirasah International Journal of Islamic Studies, 3(2), 237–250. https://doi.org/10.59373/drs.v3i2.102
Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. SAGE Publications.
Tan, C., & Hasman, P. N. B. (2024). Future-Readiness and Islamic Education Perspectives from Singapore. Journal of Education in Muslim Societies, 6(1), 109–129. https://doi.org/10.2979/jems.00018
Tuli, F. (2017). Teachers Professional Development in schools: Reflection on the Move to Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement. Journal of Teacher Education and Educators, 6(3), 275–296.
Uyuni, B., & Adnan, M. (2020). The Challenge of Islamic Education in 21st Century. SALAM: Jurnal Sosial Dan Budaya Syar-i, 7(11), 1101–1120. https://doi.org/10.15408/sjsbs.v7i12.18291
Wahyudin, W., & Fitriani, N. (2026). Integrating Knowledge Through Tauhid: Ismail Raji al-Faruqi’s Islamization Paradigm in Social and Educational Contexts. Adiluhung: Journal of Islamic Values and Civilization, 2(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.59373/nkafp051
Waqar, D. K. M., Hameed, K., & Khan*, D. M. M. I. (2025). THE FUTURE OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION: INNOVATIONS AND TRADITIONALISM. `, 3(01), 698–710.
Wasim, A. A., Syukur, F., & Wahib, A. (2026). The Exemplary of Kiai and the Future Orientation of Santri: A Socio-Cognitive Perspective in the Pesantren Subculture. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 7(2), 461–475. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v7i2.2586
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Yuliana, L., Prasojo, L. D., Akalili, A., & Firdaus, F. M. (2025). Development of a learning leadership model for vocational high school principals to foster student well-being within the framework of Merdeka Belajar. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 44(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i1.78373
Zahraini, Z., Akib, A., Rosidin, R., & Sulaeman, O. (2025). Islamic Education Reform in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities for a Modern Curriculum. Journal of Noesantara Islamic Studies, 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.70177/jnis.v2i1.1841
Zubairi, Z., Nurdin, N., & Solihin, R. (2022). Islamic Education in the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Scaffolding: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Dan Multikulturalisme, 4(3), 359–371. https://doi.org/10.37680/scaffolding.v4i3.2118
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Buyung Syukron, Isti Fatonah, Dewi Masitoh
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
