Kartika: Jurnal Studi Keislaman
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): Kartika: Jurnal Studi Keislaman (August)

The Functional Crisis of Madrasah: Between State Standardization and the Instrumentalization of Religious Identity in Indonesia

Chodijah Asy Syarifah (Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Evi Nurdiana (Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Robin (Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Muchammad Aqib Junaidi (Mahkamah Agung Republik Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Aug 2026

Abstract

Madrasahs, as Islamic social institutions in Indonesia, face increasingly complex challenges due to the influence of state education policies and the dynamics of religious identity. This study aims to analyze changes in the functions of madrasahs through three main aspects: shifts in religious traditions resulting from educational standardization; disruptions to institutional functions caused by the exploitation of religious identity for purposes other than education; and the ability of madrasahs to maintain their roles and identities. The study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review analyzed through qualitative content analysis and interpretive analysis, drawing on the perspectives of Pierre Bourdieu, Talcott Parsons, and the theory of institutional resilience. The research findings indicate that, first, educational standardization policies have driven a shift in the orientation of madrasahs from a pesantren-based scholarly tradition toward meeting academic and administrative standards; second, the use of religious identity for purposes beyond educational functions has the potential to weaken the role of madrasahs in preserving shared values and social integration; third, pesantren-based madrasahs demonstrate adaptability through the strengthening of scholarly traditions, curriculum integration, and the leadership of kiai who are responsive to change. This study confirms that the function of madrasahs continues to undergo adjustments in the interplay between state policy, socio-religious dynamics, and the evolving traditions of Islamic education within society.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

kartika

Publisher

Subject

Religion Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education

Description

KARTIKA: Jurnal Studi Keislaman covers a variety of subjects, ranging from Islamic history, law, sufism, theology, politics, philosophy, the Qur’an and hadith, to modern and contemporary developments including such issues as democracy, gender, and human rights as well as social and cultural ...