Volume IV: Society, Culture, and Local Ecological Wisdom

The NiKKAF Model for Pesantren Sustainability: Developing a Value-Based Organizational Culture Framework for Islamic Educational Institutions

  • Imam Fauji Universitas PTIQ Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Supiana UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
  • Mohamad Erihadiana UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
  • Hary Priatna Sanusi UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia

Keywords

organizational culture, pesantren sustainability, NIKKAF Model, value-based leadership, cadre development, adaptation.

Abstract

This study aims to develop the NIKKAF Model as a value-based organizational culture framework for explaining pesantren sustainability. It employed a qualitative approach and a comparative multiple-case design at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo Kediri, and Pondok Pesantren Mojosari Nganjuk. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with kiai, teachers, staff, santri, alumni, and community members, supported by participant observation and institutional document analysis. The data were analyzed inductively through data reduction, within-case presentation of findings, cross-case comparison, and conclusion verification. The findings reveal three distinct cultural architectures. Gontor exhibits a modern-institutional culture, Lirboyo maintains a traditional-cultural orientation, while Mojosari develops an integrative-adaptive culture. Despite these differences, all three institutions place Islamic values at the core of institutional life. The cross-case synthesis produced the NIKKAF Model, comprising Values, Leadership, Commitment, Consistency, Cadre Development, Adaptation, and Finance. Values shape identity; leadership drives internalization; commitment and consistency maintain stability; cadre development ensures regeneration; adaptation preserves relevance; and financial self-reliance supports autonomy and operations. The model operates cyclically through idea initiation, preparation, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Theoretically, this study extends organizational culture theory by positioning cadre development and financial self-reliance as core sustainability mechanisms. Practically, it supports pesantren in preserving identity while responding to social and technological change and professionalization demands.

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