JP\/5\/REPORT1<\/p>\n
One view of the history of 'pesantren'<\/p>\n
The term pesantren comes from the word santri (Islamic boarding
\nschool student) and when affixed with pe- and -an forms the
\nmeaning in the Indonesian\/Malay languages -- of an Islamic
\nboarding school.<\/p>\n
The word santri, according to linguists, originated from the
\nTamil (ethnic group\/state of southern India) word meaning a
\nrecital teacher. In his book Zamakhsari, published in 1983, CC
\nBerg explained that santri came from the word shastri, which in
\nHindi language means the one who knows, or a guru of the Hindu
\nholy book. Shastri alone comes from shastra which means holy
\nbooks, religious books or knowledge.<\/p>\n
Pesantren, usually mentioned with the word pondok (dormitory)
\npesantren on Java island, basically means a traditional Islamic
\nboarding school.<\/p>\n
All students live there full-time and courses are devoted to
\nthe study of Islam under the guidance of a teacher, better known
\nas a kyai.<\/p>\n
The students' dormitory is located inside the pesantren
\ncomplex where the kyai lives, in addition to a mosque.<\/p>\n
The complex is usually surrounded by walls to inhibit the
\nentry and exit of the students. From the aspects of leadership,
\nthe kyai reigns supreme with absolute control over the pesantren.<\/p>\n
Besides the study of Islamic teachings, many santri also
\npractice the Islamic way of life as described in the Koran
\n(Muslim holy book). Female santri dress according to the Koranic
\ndress code and wear the head covering (jilbab), while male santri
\nwear traditional clothing, usually sarongs or long pants.<\/p>\n
In general, there are two types of pesantren, the salafiah
\n(traditional) and khalafiah (modern), based on their respective
\nteaching methods and curricula.<\/p>\n
A salafiah teaches religious knowledge including the study of
\nthe "yellow" books on traditional Islamic law and Arabic lessons.
\nThe santri are trained to live independently such as doing their
\nown laundry. Some of the pesantren even require students to cook
\ntheir own meals.<\/p>\n
A khalafiah blends its teachings between religious studies and
\nmodern thoughts. Besides Arabic, students might be introduced to
\nEnglish or the Internet to expand their knowledge of the world.<\/p>\n
Irrespective of the debate on the use of the term pesantren,
\nthese learning institutions have existed since 1852. The Langitan
\npesantren, in Tuban, East Java, is said to be the oldest of its
\nkind in Indonesia. It was under the auspices of Nahdlatul Ulama
\n(the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia), and was founded
\nin 1852 in Mandungan village in what is now East Java province.
\nIt now accommodates more than 5,500 santri.<\/p>\n
Since 1966, the government has categorized pesantren on the
\nlist of organizations, which must receive guidance from the
\nMinistry of Religious Affairs.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jp5report1-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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