Sustaining Digital Transformation in Faith-Based Schools: The Role of Strategic Leadership and Institutional Readiness

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v10i3.14534
Authors

(1) * Aris Dwi Nugroho   (Universitas Islam Negeri Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi)  
        Indonesia
(2)  Sri Ramdayeni Sakunti   (Universitas Islam Negeri Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi)  
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study aims to examine Islamic boarding school management strategies for responding to the challenges of the digital era, identify factors influencing technology acceptance and implementation, and explore adaptation experiences among administrators, educators, and students. This study used a multi-site qualitative case study design involving six Islamic boarding schools in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and document analysis, then analyzed using an interactive model that included data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion verification. The results revealed three main themes: (1) strategic digital management through institutional restructuring and administrative modernization; (2) technology acceptance influenced by policy support, infrastructure readiness, and human resource capacity; and (3) stakeholder adaptation characterized by selective technology integration while maintaining traditional learning methods such as sorogan and bandongan. This study concludes that sustainable digital transformation in Islamic boarding schools depends on strategic leadership that aligns technological advancements with religious identity. This research contributes by developing a holistic management framework that integrates digital transformation, organizational adaptation, and culturally responsive leadership in the context of Islamic educational institutions.

Keywords

Digital Transformation, Organizational Adaptation, Islamic Strategic Leadership



Full Text: PDF



References


Abbasi, S., & Ilyas, M. (2024). Enhancing Organizational Learning Capabilities through Digital Transformation: Role of Perceived Organizational Support and Knowledge Oriented Leadership. Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.64534/commer.2024.035

Afifah, B., Syabrina, M., Salamun, & Arif, M. (2025). Beyond the Boundaries of Tradition: A Design Thinking Approach in Modern Pesantren Curriculum Reformulation. Al-Dirasah: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.47731/aldirasah.v1n2.2025.4

Ahmad, Z. A. (2025). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Pedagogical Methods in Modern Islamic Education. Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences. https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.52.6.9

Arroisi, J., Mustopa, R. H. B. C., & Djayusman, R. (2025). Coping the discrepancy between moral and intellectual achievement: the model integration of higher education and modern Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies. https://doi.org/10.18326/ijims.v14i2.231-257

Baharun, H., Hakim, L., Fanani, A. A., Hasanah, R., Rozi, F., & Sa’diyah, H. (2025). Enhancing Educational Quality in Pesantren through Educational Fintech: Katalis Barokah for Building Public Trust. International Conference on Applied Science and Technology on Social Science 2025 (ICAST-SS 2025), 586–594.

Bahri, R., & Warits, A. (2026). Moral leadership development in Indonesian Islamic boarding schools: a comparative study of two pesantren. British Journal of Religious Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2026.2627921

Bashori, Y. A., Umami, K., & Wahid, S. H. (2024). Maqasid Shariah-Based Digital Economy Model: Integration, Sustainability and Transformation. Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol12no2.647

Basori, R., Raharjo, T. J., Prihatin, T., & Yulianto, A. (2023). Maintaining Salafi Values through Innovative Management Practices at Pesantren. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v9i2.25376

Braojos, J., Weritz, P., & Matute, J. (2024). Empowering Organisational Commitment Through Digital Transformation Capabilities: The Role of Digital Leadership and a Continuous Learning Environment. Information Systems Journal, 34, 1466–1492. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12501

Chen, A., Li, L., & Shahid, W. (2024). Digital transformation as the driving force for sustainable business performance: A moderated mediation model of market-driven business model innovation and digital leadership capabilities. Heliyon, 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29509

Darwanto, A., Prahmana, R., Susanti, A., & Khalil, I. (2024). Transformation of Boarding School Management Models in Enhancing Student Accessibility and Educational Quality. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v21i1.8632

Fatmawati, E., Suhartov, B., Dahlan, M., Suhma, W. K., & Yudiawan, A. (2023). Challenges of Educational Management in the Islamic Higher Education Sector Based on Pesantren. Journal of Educational and Social Research. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2023-0151

Fauzi, A., Arif, M., & Mustofa, A. (2025). Realizing the Ideal Model of Digital Islamic Boarding Schools (Pesantren): a Systematic Literature Review Analysis. MUMTAZ : Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.69552/mumtaz.v5i2.3288

Ghafar, M. (2023). Kyai’s Leadership Strategy and Its Implications For Improving The Quality of Education. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v5i3.2172

Hadiati, E., Dwiyanto, A., Setianingrum, D. A., Jatmiko, A., & Iqbal, I. (2025). Women Academic Leadership in Islamic Higher Education: Embracing the Society 5.0 Era. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i2.1860

Ibda, H., & Arif, M. (2023). Digital learning using Maktabah Syumilah NU 1.0 software and computer application for Islamic moderation in pesantren. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE). https://doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v13i3.pp3530-3539

Izzah, N., Ahmad, M., & Suryadi. (2025). Development Model of Child-Friendly Management in Islamic Boarding Schools (Pesantren). Journal of Posthumanism. https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i6.2640

Jamil, Z. A., Nurhuda, Alfian, Ulfah, S., Rasidin, & Youssef, A. (2025). Program Evaluation Study on Islamic Religious Education in Pesantren: Addressing Educational Degradation in the Digital Era. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v22i1.11358

Ju’subaidi, J., Lindgren, T., Mujahidin, A., & Rofiq, A. C. (2024). A Model of Transformative Religious Education: Teaching and Learning Islam in Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia. Millah: Journal of Religious Studies. https://doi.org/10.20885/millah.vol23.iss1.art6

Lateh, M., Ulfatin, N., Arifin, I., & Mustiningsih. (2025). Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Adaptation Strategies of Islamic Boarding Schools in the Era of Globalization. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i29s.4591

Lathifah, Z. K., Fauziah, R., Rusli, R., Roestamy, M., Martin, A. Y., Indra, S., & Suherman, U. (2025). Quality Assurance in Pesantren: Modernization, Adaptability, and Integration into Indonesia’s Education System. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v11i1.43951

Muhith, A., Dwiyono, Y., Munawati, S., Mustofa, A., & Haryanto, S. (2023). Challenges of Islamic Boarding School Organizational Culture in The Millennial Generation and The Digital Era 4.0. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v6i3.4231

Nurdianzah, E., & Rohman, A. (2023). Religious Moderation in The Industrial Era 4.0: Deradicalization Through The Development of Intellectual Traditions at Fadhlul Fadhlan Islamic Boarding School Semarang. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v20i2.7771

Pahrudin, A., Aridan, M., & Barata, M. F. (2025). Teacher Readiness for Deep Learning in Islamic Education: A Rasch Model Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 19(4), 262–283. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v19i4.9573

Rusydi, M. (2025). Visionary Leadership in Islamic Boarding Schools: Implications for Institutional Management within the Barakka Framework. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(8), 1041–1057. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.8.46

Saepurohman, A., Badrudin, Erihadiana, M., Lestari, A. S., & Alai, A. (2025). Strategic Management of Digital Literacy Initiatives in Islamic Boarding Schools of Tasikmalaya. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i2.1711

Salim, N. A., Zaibi, M., Brantasari, M., Ikhsan, M., & Aslindah, A. (2025). Islamic Boarding School Leadership Innovation: From Traditional to Modernization of Education. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1392

Shin, J., Mollah, M. A., & Choi, J. (2023). Sustainability and Organizational Performance in South Korea: The Effect of Digital Leadership on Digital Culture and Employees’ Digital Capabilities. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032027

Suparjo, Purnomo, S., Azizah, N., Suwito, & Sinaga, F. S. S. (2024). The Patterns of Student Scientific Development through Digital Media Consumption in Islamic Boarding Schools. International Journal of Religion. https://doi.org/10.61707/67yzn798

Suresman, E., Faqihuddin, A., Jenuri, & Abdullah, M. (2025). From sorogan to digital learning: a systematic literature network analysis of pesantren learning models. Cogent Education, 12. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2025.2580776

Tantowi, A., Gunawan, M. A., & Ibrahim, A. (2025). Optimizing Islamic Boarding School Management in the Digital Era: Analysis of Technology Effectiveness in Administration and Operations. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i2.1738

Taufikin, T., Rofi’ah, K., Rahmadani, A., Sa’diyah, N., & Maharani, L. (2025). The Role of Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) Education in Enhancing University Students’ Intellectual Development. ISTIFHAM: Journal Of Islamic Studies. https://doi.org/10.71039/istifham.v3i2.110

Wahono, M., Budimansyah, D., Malihah, E., & Fitriasari, S. (2023). The Role of Social Capital of Islamic Students (Santri) in Facing the Impacts of Globalization: A Case Study at Buntet Islamic Boarding School. Society. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v11i2.591

Wardi, M., Sari, L. C., Supandi, Ismail, Kamal, M. Z., Hodairiyah, & Irawati, S. (2025). Digital Transformation of Islamic Boarding School Financial System; Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1388

Warisno, A., Anshori, A., Hidayah, N., & Dwianto, A. (2025). Transformative Islamic Education Management in Madrasah and Pesantren Integrating Tradition and Digital Innovation. Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.64753/jcasc.v10i2.1596

Wasehudin, W., Rohman, A., Wajdi, M. B. N., & Marwan, M. (2023). Transforming Islamic Education through Merdeka Curriculum in Pesantren. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v9i2.28918

Wedi, A., & Mardiana, D. (2025). Digital Transformation Model of Islamic Religious Education in the AI Era: A Case Study of Madrasah Aliyah in East Java, Indonesia. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(8), 842–863. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.8.37

Yusuf, Maimun, A., Basri, & As’ad, M. (2024). Transformational Leadership of KH. Yusuf Hasyim in Preserving Traditional Islamic Education at Pesantren Tebuireng. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1430

Zuhri, H. H., & Huda, M. (2024). Enhancing Educational Ecosystems: Implementing Peter Senge’s Learning Organization Model in Islamic Boarding Schools. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i2.1030


Dimensions, PlumX, and Google Scholar Metrics

10.33650/al-tanzim.v10i3.14534


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Aris Dwi Nugroho, Sri Ramdayeni Sakunti

Creative Commons License
 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Al-Tanzim : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Published by Lembaga Penerbitan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Nurul Jadid University, Paiton, Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.