THE EDUPRENEURSHIP STRATEGIES OF AN ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENCE IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY ERA: A CASE STUDY AT MADRASAH ALIYAH PESANTREN ALAM SAYANG IBU, WEST LOMBOK

Abstract

This study examines pesantren-based edupreneurship as a strategy for building santri independence and character while preparing them as adaptive global citizens amid the transformation of the digital economy. It focuses on Madrasah Aliyah Pesantren Alam Sayang Ibu, West Lombok, Indonesia, addressing three questions: (1) how the pesantren designs its edupreneurship strategy, (2) how santri conduct entrepreneurial practice in the digital era, and (3) what implications the program has for santri independence. A qualitative case study approach was employed. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with thirteen purposively and snowball-sampled informants (institutional leaders, teachers, santri, and alumni), participant observation, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model with source and method triangulation. The findings show that: (1) the pesantren implements edupreneurship through eight interrelated strategies, namely institutional policy, curriculum integration, project-based learning, educational mentoring, integration of Islamic values, utilization of the natural pesantren environment, social-experience programs, and digital technology adoption; (2) santri build entrepreneurial competence through digital-literacy exploration, technology-based branding and marketing, and reflective evaluation; and (3) the program strengthens cognitive, affective, and psychomotor independence, cultivating santri who are responsible, adaptive, and ethically grounded. The study concludes that pesantren edupreneurship functions not merely as vocational training, but as an integrative Islamic education strategy that builds character and nurtures santri as global citizens rooted in Islamic values.