al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 4 (2026)

The Mechanism of Structured Activities in Islamic Boarding Schools in Shaping Santri Discipline and Time Management

Nabila Nurdini Hamidah (Universitas Al-Amien Prenduan)
Moh. Nasir (Universitas Al-Amien Prenduan)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Oct 2026

Abstract

Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) have been recognized for centuries for consistently producing graduates with strong discipline, despite operating on schedules that begin before dawn and end close to midnight. This paradox becomes particularly relevant against the backdrop of the growing documentation of academic burnout among Indonesian students: the institution with the most densely scheduled daily routines appears to produce graduates who are comparatively resilient against chronic exhaustion. This study analyzes how the mechanism of structured pesantren activities works in forming santri discipline and time management through habituation. A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted on thirteen primary articles published between 2019 and 2025, supplemented by three foundational theoretical frameworks. Thematic analysis rests on three complementary pillars, Pierre Bourdieu's habitus concept, Thomas Lickona's character habituation theory, and Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory. The study identifies four simultaneously operating mechanisms: (1) temporal regularity as an identity framework, (2) value internalization through repeated religious rituals, progressing through three stages from coercion to internalization, (3) an educative and graduated reward-punishment feedback system and (4) authority figures' exemplary conduct as the source of value legitimacy. The study further reveals that pesantren time management practices share structural parallels with principles later theorized in contemporary time management literature. These findings call for a reconceptualization of habituation program design in formal Islamic educational institutions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...