Pesantren dan Diplomasi Global: Optimalisasi Modal Budaya Islam di Nusantara Sebagai Soft Power Indonesia

Islamic Boarding Schools and Global Diplomacy: Optimizing Islamic Cultural Capital in the Archipelago as Indonesia's Soft Power

Abstract

Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) are a crucial pillar representing the face of Islam in Indonesia at the global level. They serve not only as traditional educational institutions but also as centers for the formation of values, cultural identity, and inclusive religious practices. This study aims to analyze how the values, traditions, and social networks of Islamic boarding schools can be positioned as cultural capital that strengthens Indonesia's global diplomacy. The research method employed a qualitative approach with a library study, utilizing journals and recent literature related to Islamic boarding schools, cultural diplomacy, and soft power. The analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques, with a focus on the internalization of Islamic boarding school values, curriculum adaptation, and international networks. The results show that Islamic boarding schools function as significant cultural capital due to their ability to maintain local traditions while adapting to modernity. Islamic boarding schools not only maintain Indonesia's cultural identity but also serve as cultural actors capable of building bridges between nations through international alumni networks, student exchange programs, global academic collaborations, and participation in cross-cultural forums. This research provides new insights into the strategic role of Islamic boarding schools in cultural diplomacy and the development of Indonesia's image of Islam on the international stage.