The Role of Social Capital of Islamic Students (Santri) in Facing the Impacts of Globalization: A Case Study at Buntet Islamic Boarding School

Abstract

Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia face major challenges due to the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and globalization, which include adaptation to digital technology, expansion of social networks, and integration of Islamic boarding school values in technology-based curricula. This research focuses on the role of social capital in maintaining the relevance of Islamic boarding schools, with Buntet Islamic Boarding School as a case study. Using a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and participant observation, data was analyzed to identify the daily application of social capital. Findings show that strong social networks, mutual trust, internalized social norms, and cooperation play key roles in the transformation of Islamic boarding schools. The uniqueness of the Buntet Islamic Boarding School can be seen in its ability to build a strong alumni network, facilitate access to new resources, and maintain the identity and values of the Islamic boarding school through a technology-based curriculum. The results of this research have practical implications in the context of education in Indonesia, guiding Islamic boarding schools and other traditional institutions to integrate social capital in their adaptation strategies to face the impacts of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and globalization, maintain sustainability, and increase competitiveness.Pondok pesantren di Indonesia menghadapi tantangan besar akibat Revolusi Industri 4.0 dan globalisasi, yang mencakup adaptasi terhadap teknologi digital, perluasan jaringan sosial, dan integrasi nilai-nilai pesantren dalam kurikulum berbasis teknologi. Penelitian ini fokus pada peran modal sosial dalam menjaga relevansi pondok pesantren, dengan Pondok Pesantren Buntet sebagai studi kasus. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan wawancara mendalam dan observasi partisipatif, data dianalisis untuk mengidentifikasi penerapan modal sosial sehari-hari. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa jaringan sosial yang kuat, saling percaya, norma sosial terinternalisasi, dan kerjasama kolektif memainkan peran kunci dalam transformasi pesantren. Kekhasan Pondok Pesantren Buntet terlihat dalam kemampuannya membangun jaringan alumni yang kuat, memfasilitasi akses ke sumber daya baru, dan mempertahankan identitas dan nilai-nilai pesantren melalui kurikulum berbasis teknologi. Hasil penelitian ini memiliki implikasi praktis dalam konteks pendidikan di Indonesia, memberikan panduan bagi pondok pesantren dan lembaga tradisional lainnya untuk mengintegrasikan modal sosial dalam strategi adaptasi mereka menghadapi dampak Revolusi Industri 4.0 dan globalisasi, menjaga keberlanjutan, dan meningkatkan daya saing.