Digital Transformation of Islamic Studies in Indonesian Pesantrens: From the Mosque to the Screen

M. Deni Hidayatullah (Universitas Annuqayah)
Abdul Wahid (Universitas Annuqayah)

Al-Marsus : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Abstract Advances in digital technology have transformed the spaces and systems of Islamic studies in Indonesian pesantren. Previously centered in the langgar, a traditional physical learning space, Islamic studies have increasingly extended to digital platforms and online learning environments. This study aims to analyze the digital transformation of Islamic studies in Indonesian pesantren by examining changes in learning spaces, teaching patterns, the scholarly authority of the kiai, and santri perceptions of contemporary digital-based Islamic learning. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach through a literature review integrated with cyber observation (netnography) conducted at three Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. The findings indicate that digitization has created a hybrid scholarly space that integrates traditional pedagogical practices with modern technologies. However, this transformation also poses challenges, including disparities in technical infrastructure and the need to negotiate the kiai’s scholarly authority and the adab of santri in virtual learning spaces. Therefore, digital transformation in pesantren requires a balance between the use of digital technologies and the strengthening of autonomous internal scholarly structures.   Abstract Kemajuan teknologi digital telah mengubah ruang dan sistem studi keagamaan Islam di pesantren-pesantren Indonesia. Yang sebelumnya berpusat di langar (ruang belajar fisik tradisional) studi keagamaan Islam kini semakin meluas ke platform digital dan lingkungan pembelajaran daring. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis transformasi digital studi keagamaan Islam di pesantren-pesantren Indonesia dengan menelaah perubahan pada ruang belajar, pola pengajaran, otoritas keilmuan kiai, serta persepsi santri terhadap pembelajaran Islam berbasis digital kontemporer. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif melalui tinjauan pustaka yang diintegrasikan dengan observasi siber (netnografi) yang dilakukan di tiga pesantren di Indonesia. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa digitalisasi telah menciptakan ruang keilmuan hibrida yang mengintegrasikan praktik pedagogis tradisional dengan teknologi modern. Namun, transformasi ini juga menimbulkan tantangan, termasuk ketimpangan dalam infrastruktur teknis serta kebutuhan untuk menegosiasikan otoritas keilmuan kiai dan adab santri di ruang pembelajaran virtual. Oleh karena itu, transformasi digital di pesantren memerlukan keseimbangan antara penggunaan teknologi digital dan penguatan struktur keilmuan internal yang otonom.