Kiai: Figur Elite Pesantren

Abstract: In a pesantren (Islamic boarding school), kiai is an strategic element. Javanese kiai mainly believe that a pesantren is a small palace where he becomes the ultimate source of power and authority. Even though he lives in a rural village, he becomes a member of elite group in social, politic and economic sides in the society. Kiai who leads big pesantren has successfully enlarged their power in term of nation so kiai could be accepted in national elite. The position of kiai is higher among all pesantren elements. The degree as an Islamic scholar is exactly a sacred degree in pesantren culture and tradition. Without his figure, it is impossible for a pesantren to develop and survive. Kiai holds an ultimate position on educate the behavior and morality of the santri (students) to be qualified and compatible Muslims generation. Kiai is not only a leader but he is also the man behind the leadership itself in supporting the progress of Islamic education institution for Muslims generations.
Abstrak: Abstrak: Dalam tradisi pesantren, kiai merupakan elemen yang menempati posisi strategis. Kiai di Jawa beranggapan bahwa pesantren dapat diibaratkan sebagai suatu kerajaan kecil. Meskipun kiai di Jawa tinggal di pedesaan, mereka merupakan bagian dari kelompok elite dalam struktur sosial, politik, dan ekonomi masyarakat Jawa. Para kiai yang memimpin pesantren besar telah berhasil memperluas pengaruh mereka di wilayah negara, hasilnya mereka banyak yang diterima di elit nasional. Tanpa figur kiai, sebuah lembaga pesantren tidak mungkin bisa bertahan dan berkembang dalam mengarungi percaturan sistem pendidikan Islam. Figur kiai adalah …