Collaboration Between Islamic Boarding Schools and Islamic Universities in Producing Creative and Globally Competitive Talents

Abstract

Amidst globalization and digital transformation, Islamic educational institutions in Aceh must implement new strategies for management and learning within the institutional system. Collaboration between Islamic boarding schools and Islamic universities is an important way to produce noble and competitive human resources throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to see how Islamic boarding schools and Islamic universities in Aceh work together to develop creative talents. In addition, this study also attempts to identify the challenges and opportunities faced today. This study uses a qualitative approach with case studies on several Islamic boarding schools. Some of them are Dayah Ruhul Islam Anak Bangsa Aceh Besar and Dayah MUDI Samalanga, which collaborate with UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and IAIN Lhokseumawe. The results of the study show that this collaboration has created an integrated education model between tafaqquh fiddin (deepening religious knowledge) and the development of contemporary skills such as entrepreneurship, digital skills, and foreign language proficiency. The development of pesantren-based creative economy, digital business training, and exchange programs for santri students to Islamic educational institutions abroad are some of the flagship programs resulting from this collaboration. However, there are still several obstacles. These include limited technological infrastructure in Islamic boarding schools, differences in management systems between Islamic boarding schools and universities, and a lack of regional policy support for collaborative funding. According to this study, the integration of Islamic boarding schools and Islamic universities in Aceh has become an important foundation for producing a young generation that is innovative, flexible, and competitive worldwide without compromising Islamic values. This collaboration shows that Islamic boarding schools are not only places for teaching religious knowledge, but also catalysts for social and economic progress among the people. As a result, to strengthen the position of Islamic education in Aceh at the national and international levels, local governments and Islamic philanthropic institutions must help expand the network of collaboration between Islamic boarding schools and universities.