Santri Go Digital: Seeing the New Face of Pesantren that is Science and Technology Literate at An-Najm Islamic Boarding School in Central Java

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to explore the implementation of the integration of science and technology at An-Najm Islamic Boarding School and its impact on the students (santri). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with caregivers, teachers, and students, participant observation, and documentation studies, then analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings reveal that the pesantren adopted an integration strategy through a hybrid curriculum that combines classical kitab kuning learning with science-technology activities, as well as technology-based extracurricular programs such as robotics and digital content production. This implementation successfully improved the students' digital literacy while simultaneously strengthening their Islamic identity through the development of technology projects contextualized with Islamic values. Although facing infrastructure constraints and internal resistance, the pesantren was able to overcome them through collaboration with universities and a dialogical approach. This research concludes that the integration of science and technology not only transforms pesantren into dynamic educational spaces but also strengthens their role in producing a generation that is competitive yet possesses an Islamic-Indonesian character.