ISLAMIC EDUCATION IN CRISIS: CHALLENGING ABSOLUTE POWER BEHIND THE WALLS OF ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS

Abstract

The phenomenon of sexual harassment in several pesantren in Indonesia reveals a serious moral crisis within Islamic educational institutions. Cases of sexual violence perpetrated by unscrupulous kyai, caregivers, and senior santri demonstrate the existence of imbalanced power dynamics and a deeply rooted culture of silence within pesantren institutions. This study aims to analyze how absolute power in pesantren educational structures can create opportunities for moral deviations and how basic Islamic educational values, such as trustworthiness, justice, and respect for human dignity, can serve as a foundation for improving the existing system. Through literature-based qualitative studies and case studies, this article highlights weaknesses in pesantren internal control mechanisms and the lack of state regulation. It also emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms that favor the protection of santri. The findings demonstrate that revitalizing Islamic education requires deconstructing the kyai's absolute authority and establishing a transparent, fair, and morally oriented system. The article recommends a critical and transformative approach to Islamic education as a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis.