<![CDATA[This study examines how pesantren in South Sumatra negotiate the pressures of globalization, state educational standardization, and digital transformation while preserving their local Islamic identity and epistemic legitimacy. Using a qualitative historical-sociological design informed by an educational ontology framework, fieldwork was conducted in Palembang, Musi Banyuasin, and Ogan Komering Ilir between 2023 and 2024. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with pesantren leaders, kiai, santri, and alumni, alongside participant observation and archival document analysis Pesantren resilience relies on selective adaptation rather than isolation or total assimilation. Over 60% of institutions studied adopt general curricula and digital technologies while strictly preserving core identity markers, specifically the authority of the kiai and the study of kitab kuning. Furthermore, leadership models are transitioning from purely charismatic authority to hybrid forms that combine religious legitimacy with modern managerial competence. The study conceptualizes pesantren as a "living civilization" that dynamically adapts peripheral practices while keeping core ontological commitments intact. This finding highlights the need for educational policies and accreditation frameworks that safeguard epistemic and cultural diversity while facilitating global engagement, directly aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 10, and 16.]]>
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