Beyond Spiritual Authority: Kyai Leadership in Family Conflict Prevention within Pesantren Communities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32678/tarbawi.v12i01.12265
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Keywords:
Conflict Prevention, Family Conflict, Kyai, LeadershipAbstract
As traditional Islamic educational institutions, pesantren have a unique leadership structure, in which the kyai serves not only as a spiritual and academic leader but also as a central figure in maintaining social harmony, including in the dynamics of family conflict within the pesantren. The complexity of kinship relations, authority, and institutional management often gives rise to conflicts that require a resolution approach grounded in values and local wisdom. This study examines the leadership role of kyais in mediating family conflicts within the pesantren’s social and cultural environment. This research employed a qualitative case study of four Islamic boarding schools in East Java affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participatory observation involving kyais and caretakers. Purposive sampling was applied with six informants from each pesantren. Data were analyzed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldana’s interactive model, comprising data condensation, data display, conclusion drawing, and verification. The findings reveal that kyais resolve conflicts through third-party mediation, foster emotional empowerment through roles and family gatherings, and promote financial equity. These actions reflect a comprehensive conflict resolution pattern rooted in sincerity, compassion, and justice. The study proposes the Charismatic Familial Mediation Model (CFMM), emphasizing spirituality, emotional intelligence, and socio-economic balance as foundations for sustainable family cohesion within pesantren.
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