PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This study explores the transformation of pesantren, traditional Islamic boarding schools, as they transition from conventional educational models to modernised frameworks. Focusing on the shift from Kulliyatul Mu'allimin Islamiah (KMI) salafiyah to KMI Mu’adalah, this research employs Robert Stake’s case study approach to examine how these institutions adapt to contemporary educational demands while preserving their religious and cultural heritage. The findings highlight three key challenges in this transition. First, communication gaps among administrators, teachers, students, and parents created significant obstacles to the acceptance and implementation of the Mu’adalah system, a pattern also reflected in the results of this study. Second, despite aspirations for a comprehensive transformation, most reforms were only successfully applied to lower-grade curricula. Third, modernisation efforts extended beyond administrative restructuring, incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and institutional management strategies that align with contemporary educational standards. The novelty of this study lies in its holistic examination of pesantren's modernisation, moving beyond previous research that has often focused solely on either curriculum development or administrative changes. This study underscores the interconnection between leadership, stakeholder communication, and phased pedagogical transformation as critical factors in the success of educational reform. For a sustainable transition, Islamic boarding schools must prioritise three key strategies: fostering inclusive communication among stakeholders, implementing gradual curriculum adjustments, and enhancing teacher professional development to equip educators with the necessary skills for modern teaching practices. This research contributes to the broader discourse on Islamic education reform by offering a model for faith-based institutions, particularly pesantren, to engage with modernisation while safeguarding their ideological, cultural, and core values.