Transformational Leadership of the Kyai in Developing Santri with Integrity at Miftahul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Ngantang, Malang Regency

Abstract

The digital era presents new challenges for Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in shaping the character of their students (santri). As both spiritual and intellectual leaders, kyai are required to integrate traditional pesantren values with modern knowledge. This article aims to examine the leadership strategies of kyai in transforming the character of santri so that they remain rooted in Islamic values while being adaptive to contemporary developments. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and document studies at pesantren that have adopted collaborative approaches. The findings reveal that visionary, communicative, and participatory leadership by kyai is key to shaping santri who are ethical, critical, and technologically literate. The integration of traditional values with modern knowledge is carried out through curriculum enhancement, habituation of adab (Islamic etiquette), and the use of technology as a medium for preaching and education. This study recommends strengthening the kyai’s capacity in digital literacy and developing adaptive leadership models within the pesantren environment.