KOMPARASI SISTEM PEMBELAJARAN PESANTREN TRADISIONAL DAN MODERN TERHADAP RELEVANSI LULUSAN DI ABAD 21

Abstract

Pesantren have long played a strategic role in developing Muslim generations with strong religious knowledge, moral character, and social responsibility. Along with the changing demands of contemporary society, the learning systems of pesantren have evolved into two major models: traditional (salafiyah) and modern (khalafiyah). This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the learning systems implemented in both models, compare their respective strengths and limitations, and examine the relevance of their graduates in addressing contemporary challenges. This research employed a qualitative approach using a library research method. Data were collected from books, peer-reviewed journal articles, government regulations, and other relevant academic sources, and were analyzed using content analysis through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that traditional pesantren are characterized by a curriculum centered on kitab kuning (classical Islamic texts), learning methods such as bandongan, sorogan, and halaqah, and the central role of the kiai in the educational process. This model excels in cultivating profound Islamic scholarship, religious character, and spiritual maturity. In contrast, modern pesantren implement an integrated curriculum combining Islamic and general education, classroom-based and technology-supported learning, the development of twenty-first-century competencies, and the enhancement of foreign language proficiency. Consequently, this model is better equipped to prepare graduates for higher education, technological advancement, and the labor market. The comparative analysis indicates that these two educational models are complementary rather than contradictory. Therefore, an integrated learning model that combines the strengths of traditional Islamic scholarship with modern educational innovation is considered more relevant for producing graduates who possess strong Islamic competencies, noble character, and the adaptability required to meet the challenges of twenty-first-century society.