MENELISIK MANAJEMEN PENGUATAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DI PONDOK PESANTREN HUSNUL KHOTIMAH 2 KUNINGAN: STRATEGI, HAMBATAN, DAN DILEMA

Abstract

This study aims to uncover and critically analyze the management of character education strengthening at Husnul Khotimah 2 Kuningan Islamic Boarding School, focusing on the strategies implemented, the obstacles encountered, and the dilemmas that arise in practice. Character education in Islamic boarding schools is an important instrument in shaping the holistic personality of students, both from spiritual, social, and moral aspects. However, its implementation is not free from various internal and external challenges. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with a case study type. Data collection techniques include participatory observation, in-depth interviews with caretakers, teachers, and students, and analysis of curriculum documents and Islamic boarding school regulations. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the character strengthening management strategy is carried out through the integration of Islamic values into the formal and non-formal curriculum, discipline habits, exemplary behavior of ustaz, and intensive supervision. The main obstacles include limited human resources, student resistance to change, and the counterproductive influence of digital media. A dilemma arises between the idealism of long-term character building and the demands for quick results in the modern education system. This research emphasizes the importance of adaptive and participatory management, as well as the synergy between Islamic boarding school values and the needs of modern developments, so that character education becomes not just a slogan but a reality that impacts the personality transformation of students.