Institutionalizing Quality Assurance in Traditional Islamic Education: The Strategic Role of Majelis Masyayikh in Indonesian Pesantren

Abstract

The dualism between traditional pesantren education and national standards often marginalizes santri graduates in terms of vertical mobility access. This research aims to analyze the conceptual framework of quality assurance established by the Majelis Masyayikh (MM), the dynamics of its implementation at the grassroots level, and its implications for public recognition of graduates. Employing a qualitative-descriptive design with a policy analysis approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with MM members, pesantren leaders, and policymakers, as well as an analysis of regulatory documents. The results indicate that the MM framework has successfully integrated salafiyah epistemology into an accommodative-transformative quality assurance system. Despite emerging administrative and ideological challenges, the success of this policy highly depends on a participatory-cultural approach rather than hierarchical bureaucratic instructions. The impact of this research provides an empirical foundation for the government to design inclusive accreditation instruments, ensuring that the institutionalization of pesantren enhances the quality of santri human resources sustainably and fosters global competitiveness in the future without uprooting its authentic spiritual traditions.