<![CDATA[This study examines multicultural education practices in Indonesian Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and their role in fostering inclusive religious awareness. Using a qualitative case study design at Darullughah Wadda’wah (Dalwa) Islamic Boarding School in Pasuruan, East Java, data were gathered through participant observation of dormitory life, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (caregivers, teachers, administrators, and students), and document analysis. Data were analyzed interactively using reduction, display, and verification, with validity ensured through triangulation and member checks. The findings reveal that Dalwa functions as an intra-religious cultural crossroads, managing diversity in regional origins, dialects, customs, and religious habits through structured residential living. Multicultural values are internalized via Islamic etiquette, institutional discipline, mutual respect, and equitable regulations, backed by exemplary leadership and traditional salaf culture operating as a hidden curriculum. Consequently, this framework enhances santris’ social adaptability, reduces regional prejudice, cultivates civilized communication, and reinforces cross-background solidarity. This research confirms that multicultural education in pesantren extends beyond cognitive instruction, operating effectively as an educational ecology embedded in traditional institutional culture and stakeholder leadership. Ultimately, this model offers a sustainable paradigm for strengthening religious moderation and peaceful coexistence in pluralistic societies.]]>
