Digital Stakeholder Engagement in The Governance of Pesantren-Based Madrasah: Reinforcing Pesantren Values in The Digital Era

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how digital media mediates stakeholder relations in the governance of MA Mahrusiyah Lirboyo, Kediri City, as a pesantren-based madrasah. This qualitative field study employed interviews, observations, and documentation involving the principal, public relations vice principal, pesantren administrators, teachers, social media administrators, students’ guardians, and foundation representatives. Data were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model, with validity established through source and technique triangulation. The findings show that digital media facilitates routine communication, coordination, information access, and institutional outreach through instant messaging, websites, and social media, but does not equalize stakeholder roles or redistribute strategic authority. Teachers and guardians primarily engage in academic and student-related coordination, while strategic decisions remain connected to kiai, dzuriyah, and institutional leadership. Digital communication is regulated by pesantren norms, adab, tawadhu', Islamic values, and face-to-face sowan.