The Implementation of the Hidden Curriculum in Character Building of Santri: A Case Study at Pondok Pesantren Darul Falah

Abstract

           This study aims to analyze the implementation of the hidden curriculum in shaping the character of santri at Pondok Pesantren Darul Falah. The phenomenon examined is based on the importance of character education, which is not only formal in nature but is also formed through implicit everyday practices. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study design, which allows for an in-depth exploration of the process of value internalization within the pesantren context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and documentation, involving caregivers, pesantren administrators, as well as selected male and female students using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings show that the implementation of the hidden curriculum occurs through three main themes, namely daily routines that shape habits, the role-modeling of caregivers as behavioral exemplars, and the pesantren culture as a collective value system. These three aspects play a significant role in shaping students’ character, such as discipline, responsibility, independence, and manners (adab). These findings confirm that the hidden curriculum is an essential element in effective and sustainable character education. This study contributes to enriching theoretical discussions on the hidden curriculum within the context of Islamic boarding school education and provides practical implications for education managers in designing more contextual character-building strategies. Future research is recommended to develop systematic evaluation instruments to measure the effectiveness of the hidden curriculum more objectively.