El-kahfi : Journal of Islamic economics
Vol 6 No 01 (2025): "Islamic Economic Transformation in the Digital Era: Innovation, Inclusivity, an

The Role of Pesantren in Economic Empowerment of the Ummah: A Qualitative Descriptive Study in Indonesia

Hakim, Lukman (Unknown)
Zikrifah, Amelia (Unknown)
Rahma Melati, Tri (Unknown)
Tresnawati, Dewi (Unknown)
Karti, Karti (Unknown)
Kresnapatty, Duva (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2025

Abstract

Pesantren, or Islamic boarding schools, hold strategic potential in advancing the economic empowerment of Muslim communities in Indonesia, particularly in rural and underserved regions. This study investigates how pesantren contribute to the economy of the ummah through institutional business practices, student entrepreneurship incubation, and community integration. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected from three pesantren in Java through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal three major themes: (1) pesantren serve as localized economic actors by managing small-scale agribusinesses and cooperatives, although most lack formal business structures; (2) some pesantren have developed business incubator programs to train santri in entrepreneurship, though these remain informal and unsupported by structured curricula; and (3) strategies to enhance pesantren’s economic role include capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, digital transformation, and alignment with national policies. These findings are analyzed in light of Islamic economic principles, maqashid shariah, prophetic traditions, DSN MUI regulations, and scholarly perspectives on Islamic entrepreneurship. The study concludes that while pesantren have great potential as agents of economic empowerment, sustainable impact requires institutional reform, structured educational integration, and systemic policy support.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elkahfi

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Elkahfi : Jurnal Ekonomi Islam is a peer-reviewed and open-access platform that focuses on Islamic Economics and Business. The aim of Elkahfi is to be an authoritative source of information on it’s focused. The scope of Elkahfi are but strictly limited to: islamic economics; islamic banking and ...