Peacesantren: From Islamic Fundamentalism to Peace Education Islamic Boarding Schools Transformation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the foundation, educational process, and teaching curriculum at Peacesantren Welas Asih, Garut, as an Islamic educational institution that actually promotes the values of peace. The educational model at Peacesantren offers a peace education model that is capable of producing a generation of students who are able to become peacemakers and changemakers in society. This study uses a qualitative approach. The data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and document review. Observations focused on students’ activities in Peacesantren. Interviews were conducted with three teaching representatives (ustadz) who teach at the Peacesantren Welas Asih, Garut. A document review was carried out on sources related to Peace-Santren. Data were analyzed using descriptive-analytic method, which includes data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. This study shows that the notion of Islamic boarding schools as a source of Islamic fundamentalism is an inaccurate assumption. The practice of education and teaching in Islamic boarding schools can be directed to meet the needs of the community in resolving conflict issues in the midst of a pluralistic society, issues of harmony and tolerance, and issues related to world peace. Islamic boarding schools are able to actually contribute to these issues by performming peace education institutions. The formulation of the educational foundation, educational process, and educational curriculum that refers to the values of peace originating from Islamic teachings is concrete evidence that Islamic boarding schools develop from Islamic fundamentalist institutions to peace education institutions.