Study Visit as Institutional Capacity Strengthening and Pesantren Scholarly Tradition Enhancement: Experience of Ma'had Aly Sunan Drajat to Ma'had Aly An-Nur 2 Al-Murtadho Malang

Abstract

This community service activity reports on a study visit conducted by Ma'had Aly Sunan Drajat to Ma'had Aly An-Nur 2 Al-Murtadho Malang on June 4, 2026, as a strategic effort to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance pesantren-based scholarly traditions. Ma'had Aly as a pesantren-based higher education institution faces significant challenges in maintaining academic quality and scholarly identity amidst the pressures of modernization, globalization, and rapid social change. This activity aimed to broaden students' insights regarding Ma'had Aly management, build academic networks between institutions, exchange experiences and best practices in organizing pesantren-based higher education, foster collaborative spirit in developing relevant Islamic scholarship, and strengthen understanding of Islamic history and civilization in the Indonesian Archipelago. The activity employed a combination of community education, consultation, and advocacy methods, involving the academic community and students of Ma'had Aly Sunan Drajat. The series of activities included institutional dialogue and academic visits to Ma'had Aly An-Nur 2 Al-Murtadho Malang, an educational and cultural visit to Kampoeng Heritage Malang, and a historical pilgrimage to the Tomb of Sunan Ampel. Data collection was conducted through participatory observation, documentation, and structured discussions, with qualitative-descriptive analysis applied to interpret the findings. The results demonstrated that the study visit successfully facilitated meaningful exchange of insights regarding learning systems, curriculum development, institutional governance, teaching staff classification systems, and student development programs. Participants gained new perspectives on Islamic education development and strengthening of pesantren scholarly traditions, while the visits to historical and cultural sites enriched their understanding of pesantren's role in Indonesian Islamic civilization. The activity also successfully established closer academic networks and collaboration opportunities between both institutions. It is concluded that study visits prove effective as a means of institutional capacity development and strengthening ukhuwah (brotherhood) between Islamic educational institutions. Recommendations for future activities include the need for more structured follow-up cooperation and the development of more comprehensive study visit programs covering broader aspects of institutional development and involving more participants.