Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Strengthening Pesantren Education in the Digital Era

Ari Fajar Santoso; Basel Abdulwahab; Ruchdee Sannakit

doi:10.56741/IISTR.pbpsp.002127

Authors

Ari Fajar Santoso
arifajar@telkomuniversity.ac.id
Telkom University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6384-3040
Basel Abdulwahab Azizstan Commerce Technological College
Ruchdee Sannakit Wittayasansuksa School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.pbpsp.002127

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Digital Learning, Educational Technology, Islamic Boarding School, Pesantren Education

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming educational practices across the globe. Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), one of the oldest and most influential educational institutions in Indonesia, are increasingly encountering the opportunities and challenges presented by AI technologies. Traditionally rooted in classical Islamic scholarship, character formation, and community-based learning, pesantren education faces the task of integrating digital technologies without losing its core values. This article examines how AI can function as a tool for strengthening pesantren education in the digital era. Using a conceptual and literature-based approach, the study explores three major dimensions: AI-assisted learning for religious knowledge, the transformation of pedagogical practices, and the ethical governance of AI in Islamic educational environments. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to enhance access to classical Islamic texts, support Arabic language learning, and facilitate personalized learning for santri. At the same time, careful ethical guidance and pedagogical supervision are required to ensure that AI complements rather than replaces traditional learning methods such as talaqqi and halaqah. The article proposes a conceptual framework illustrating the integration of AI tools with pesantren values, emphasizing the central role of teachers and moral guidance. The study contributes to emerging discussions on the future of Islamic education in the age of intelligent technologies and offers insights for policymakers, educators, and pesantren leaders seeking to adopt AI responsibly.

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Author Biographies

Ari Fajar Santoso, Telkom University

is a lecturer in the Information Systems Study Program at Telkom University, Indonesia. He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Indonesia. His research interests include enterprise architecture, semantic networks, and the TOGAF Framework. He has published the results of his research in various national and international journals. (email: arifajar@telkomuniversity.ac.id).

Basel Abdulwahab, Azizstan Commerce Technological College

is the Director of Azizstan Commerce Technological College in Pattani Province, Thailand. He has professional experience in managing and developing vocational and technological education, with a focus on integrating innovation and digital transformation in learning environments. His leadership emphasizes improving institutional quality, workforce readiness, and industry relevance. (email: Bs.azizstan@gmail.com).

Ruchdee Sannakit, Wittayasansuksa School

is an Islamic Studies teacher at Wittayasansuksa School in Songkhla, Thailand. He also serves as a member of the school’s administrative committee, contributing to institutional management and academic development. His professional interests include Islamic education, curriculum development, and the integration of contemporary approaches in religious teaching. (email: Wis.love.dee@gmail.com).

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