Formulasi Pesantren Menjadi Agen Perdamaian Di Tengah Politisasi Agama

Abstract

This article explores the relevance of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) as peace agents amid the rising trend of religious politicization. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach, the article analyzes pesantren and the phenomenon of religious politicization using relevant reference sources. The author argues that pesantren have the potential to address and mitigate the impacts of widespread religious politicization. It is important to note that the involvement of pesantren leaders in practical politics does not automatically eliminate religious politicization. This is due to various factors, including institutional interests, personal interests, and attachments to political patronage that may influence the pesantren or its leaders. The research findings indicate that pesantren need to implement comprehensive strategic formulations in the context of rising religious politicization. One crucial step is to distribute their alumni across various political parties rather than concentrating on a single party. This formulation requires pesantren to commit to several key principles: 1) Pesantren uphold long-standing principles of siyasah, such as maintaining integrity and prioritizing the common good. 2) Pesantren enhance their economic independence to ensure autonomy and smooth execution of activities without being swayed by external political interests. 3) Pesantren leaders engage directly in conflict resolution and strengthening tolerance values through intergroup dialogues, which can help prevent radicalization and improve social cohesion. 4) Pesantren actively participate in community development through social programs unrelated to politics, thereby making a direct positive contribution to community welfare. By emphasizing inclusive religious and social values, pesantren can play a constructive role in addressing the polarization caused by religious politicization.