Eco-Pesantren Initiatives: A Comparative Study between Indonesia and Malaysia

Abstrak

Environmental degradation has heightened the urgency for educational institutions to contribute to sustainability efforts, including Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia and pondok or tahfiz schools in Malaysia. This study compares Eco-Pesantren initiatives in both countries to examine how Islamic ecological values rooted in concepts such as tauḥid (unity), khalifah (stewardship), and mizan (balance) are translated into practical sustainability programs. Using a qualitative comparative case study, the research investigates four institutions recognized for their environmental engagement: Pesantren Lirboyo and Pesantren An-Nur II Al-Murtadlo in Indonesia, and Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) and Pondok Moden Sg. Durian in Malaysia. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observations. The findings reveal two distinct models of Islamic sustainability practice. Indonesian pesantren adopt a community-driven, experiential approach characterized by student-led waste management, organic agriculture, and integrative religious ecological learning supported by movements such as Pesantren Ramah Lingkungan. In contrast, Malaysian institutions demonstrate a policy-aligned and structured model shaped by national guidelines, standardized green-campus programs, and frequent collaborations with universities and environmental agencies. Despite these contextual differences, both countries emphasize Islamic ecological ethics to cultivate responsibility, stewardship, and spiritual awareness among students. The study concludes that Eco-Pesantren initiatives play a significant role in shaping environmentally conscious Muslim youth and demonstrate the potential of Islamic education as a driver of sustainability. Strengthening regional collaboration, policy alignment, and standardized but adaptable green curricula is recommended to enhance the broader impact of Eco-Pesantren networks in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Eco-Pesantren, Islamic ecological ethics, sustainability education, comparative study, Southeast Asia.