Character Education Based on Multiculturalism: A Case Study of Tuan Guru's Leadership at Pesantren Raudlatul Husna Kepok

Abstract

Multicultural-based character education plays a crucial role in shaping a generation that can adapt to global diversity. This article aims to explore the implementation of multicultural character education at Pesantren Raudlatul Husna Kepok, focusing on the leadership of Tuan Guru in shaping the character of the santri. The study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, where data was gathered through in-depth interviews with Tuan Guru, the foundation's management, santri, and teaching staff, as well as direct observations. The findings reveal three key aspects: (1) Tuan Guru's leadership through the teaching of texts that emphasise moral values, ethics, and courtesy, which shape the character of the santri to be virtuous. (2) Tuan Guru's transformational leadership, applied through egalitarian principles, creates an inclusive environment where no social status distinctions exist among educators, and every individual is given the opportunity to contribute within the framework of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah teachings. (3) The empowerment of alumni, who actively contribute to society, as evidenced by the placement of many alumni at the Quranic schools (Taman Pendidikan Al-Quran [TPQ]) in Central Lombok and their employment in various companies. This multicultural-based character education also strengthens solidarity among the santri and the wider community. Overall, the character education at Raudlatul Husna serves as a model for the development of value-based education relevant to the challenges of the times.

Abstrak: Pendidikan karakter berbasis multikultural memiliki peran penting dalam membentuk generasi muda yang mampu beradaptasi dengan keberagaman global. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi implementasi pendidikan karakter multikultural di Pesantren Raudlatul Husna Kepok, dengan fokus pada kepemimpinan Tuan Guru dalam membentuk karakter santri. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus, di mana data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam dengan Tuan Guru, pengelola yayasan, santri, dan staf pengajar, serta observasi langsung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tiga temuan utama: (1) Kepemimpinan Tuan Guru melalui pengajaran kitab-kitab yang menekankan nilai moral, etika, dan sopan santun, membentuk karakter santri yang berbudi pekerti. (2) Kepemimpinan transformasional Tuan Guru yang diterapkan melalui prinsip egaliter, menciptakan lingkungan inklusif di mana tidak ada perbedaan status sosial antar tenaga pendidik, dan setiap individu diberi kesempatan berkontribusi dalam kerangka ajaran Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah. (3) Pemberdayaan alumni yang aktif berkontribusi di masyarakat, terlihat dari banyaknya alumni yang ditempatkan di Taman Pendidikan Al-Quran (TPQ) di Lombok Tengah dan diterima bekerja di perusahaan-perusahaan. Pendidikan karakter berbasis multikultural ini juga memperkuat solidaritas di kalangan santri dan masyarakat. Secara keseluruhan, pendidikan karakter di Raudlatul Husna menjadi model pengembangan pendidikan berbasis nilai yang relevan dengan tantangan zaman.