DIGITAL LITERACY OF ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS IN INDONESIA: IDENTIFYING PERCEPTION, PRACTICE, AND CHALLENGES

Abstrak

In an increasingly digital world, the integration of technology in education is essential, yet many pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia continue to impose restrictions on digital devices, sparking debates about how they adopt digital literacy. This study explores pesantren’s perception, practice, and challenges in adopting digital literacy. This study used qualitative approach with literature review method, where findings from the relevant academic resources were synthesized and analyzed to identify the pattern of pesantren in Indonesia in perceiving digital literacy, to what extent they practice digital literacy, and what challenges they face in adopting digital literacy. Based on this study, pesantren have both negative and positive views of digital literacy. While they have a major concern on negative effects of digital technology on morality and distraction, they are becoming increasingly aware of its benefits on advancing educational quality. Digital literacy practices in pesantren include providing digital infrastructure and access, digitalization of Islamic literature, and the use of social media for preaching purposes. However, pesantren still face complex challenges in adopting digital literacy, such as lack of access to digital technologies, contestation with the opposite religious group in digital space, along with santris’ low digital literacy proficiency. This study suggests pesantren to adopt a more balanced strategy in technology restriction policy, along with promoting digital literacy training for teachers and santris. Therefore, pesantren can benefit from integrating technology without leaving their traditional values.