One of the longstanding Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia is the Pesantren. At Pesantren, students (referred to as santri) reside together in dormitories. The teaching and learning process is guided by teachers known as 'Ustadz' or 'Kyai'. It's no wonder that besides schools, Pesantren has become a preferred choice for parents to educate their children.
However, the cost is a consideration for parents interested in placing their children in Pesantren. Read this article to find out the details of the entry costs for Pesantren in Indonesia.
1. What is a Pesantren?
Before delving into the details of Pesantren entry costs, it's essential to understand the comprehensive definition of Pesantren. Pesantren consists of two types: traditional and modern.
1.1 Traditional Pesantren
Traditional Pesantren strives to uphold the teachings of classical texts as the core of their education. Here, past traditions are highly valued. Traditional Pesantren emphasizes education focused on Islamic teachings, emphasizing reading, understanding, and memorizing the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and Tafsir. Typically, traditional Pesantren are established in rural areas. Therefore, the lives of santri in traditional Pesantren are more centered around religious teachings.
1.2 Modern Pesantren
Modern Pesantren embraces new aspects deemed 'good' while still maintaining traditional values. In these modern Pesantren, religion remains the primary focus of education. Nevertheless, students are taught a curriculum that includes subjects studied in mainstream schools like Science, Social Sciences, and Mathematics. Modern Pesantren locations are usually more open and integrated with society. Students are also involved in social activities and community service.
2. Advantages of Choosing Pesantren for Education
Choosing Pesantren as a place of education for children offers numerous invaluable benefits. Here are some of them:
2.1 Better and Positive Friendship Environment
Pesantren generally fosters a more positive and directed friendship environment compared to mainstream schools. Students are surrounded by peers who share similar goals and values - acquiring religious knowledge and improving oneself. This creates a conducive environment for learning and development, shielded from negative influences that may be encountered outside Pesantren.
2.2 Balanced General and Religious Education Curriculum
Pesantren offers a balanced curriculum between general education and religious education. Students not only learn general knowledge like Mathematics, Science, and Language but also delve deeply into Islamic studies such as Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh. This balance helps students become intelligent, knowledgeable individuals with noble character.
2.3 Promising Character Education Quality
Pesantren is renowned for its emphasis on character education. Students are taught Islamic moral values and ethics such as discipline, responsibility, honesty, and cooperation. These values are instilled through various activities and lessons like congregational prayers, Quran recitations, and communal work. This helps students become resilient, well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges.
2.4 Developing Foreign Language Skills
Many Pesantren offer foreign language learning programs like Arabic and English. Students are taught speaking, reading, and writing skills in foreign languages proficiently. These skills are highly beneficial for students' future endeavors, especially for further education or international careers.
2.5 Opportunity to Become a Hafiz Al-Quran
For students inclined towards memorizing the Quran, Pesantren provides Tahfidz Al-Quran programs guided by experienced ustadz and ustadzah. This program allows students to memorize the Quran fully within a relatively short time, typically 3-6 years. Becoming a Hafiz Al-Quran is a prestigious achievement with immense rewards in the sight of Allah SWT.
3. Estimated Details of Pesantren Costs in Indonesia
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After understanding what Pesantren is and the benefits of enrolling children in Pesantren, it's essential to know the estimated details of Pesantren entry costs. The cost details for Traditional and Modern Pesantren vary.
3.1 Details of Traditional Pesantren Entry Costs
If you are interested in enrolling your child in a traditional Pesantren, here's the estimated breakdown of entry costs for such Pesantren:
- Admission fee (entry fee) for traditional Pesantren is approximately less than Rp 5 million.
- Monthly tuition fee (SPP) is around Rp 1 million or less.
- Monthly boarding fee is approximately less than Rp 1 million.
- Extracurricular and other activity costs vary depending on the Pesantren management.au
Traditional Pesantren generally have lower entry costs compared to modern Pesantren due to traditional management practices and local community involvement. If you are looking for an affordable Pesantren for your child's education, traditional Pesantren could be an option.
3.2 Details of Modern Islamic Boarding School Entrance Fees
- Pondok Pesantren Modern Darussalam Gontor, Ponorogo
Pondok Pesantren (Ponpres) Gontor has been established and thriving since the 18th century. The formal education here consists of specialized institutions for male middle-level students (Kulliyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyyah) and female middle-level students (Kulliyatul Mu’allimat Al-Islamiyyah). The address of this Ponpres is Putra I, Gontor 1, Gontor, Kec. Ponorogo, Kabupaten Ponorogo, East Java 63472. The detailed entrance fee for this boarding school is Rp 7 million.
- Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng, Jombang
Ponpres Tebuireng is the largest pesantren in the Jombang area. This pesantren was directly founded by the great scholar KH Hasyim Asy’aroe, who also established the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization. The complete address of this Pesantren is Jl. Irian Jaya No. 10, Cukir, Kec. Diwek, Kabupaten Jombang, East Java 61471. The detailed entrance fee for this boarding school is Rp 12,120,000.
- Pondok Pesantren Langitan, Tuban
Ponpres Langitan is located in East Java. This pesantren is one of the best and oldest in East Java. The learning system here is said to bring happiness. The complete address of this Ponpres is Jl. Langitan, Slawe, Widang, Tuban, Kabupaten Tuban, East Java 62383. The detailed entrance fee for this Pesantren is approximately Rp 600,000 - 700,000 for registration.
- Pondok Pesantren Sidogiri, Pasuruan
Ponpres Sidogiri accommodates thousands of male and female students. This pesantren is considered one of the best in East Java alongside Langitan. This ponpres implements a madrasah education system with types A and B. The complete location of this Ponpres is RT.02/RW.02, Sidogiri, Kec. Kraton, Pasuruan, East Java 67101. The detailed entrance fee for this Pesantren is approximately Rp 2,300,000 for registration.
- Pondok Pesantren Al Amien Prenduan, Sumenep
Ponpres Al Amien Prenduan has been established since 1952. This ponpres provides formal education from early childhood to Madrasah Aliyah (MA) level. The curriculum here aligns with public schools as stipulated by the Department of Religion and National Education. This Ponpres is located at Desa Mornangka Jalan Raya Sumenep-Pamekasan Pragaan Laok Kecamatan Pragaan Kabupaten Sumenep Madura, Pragaan Laok, Kabupaten Sumenep, East Java 69465. The detailed entrance fee for this pesantren is approximately Rp 3,000,000.
- Pondok Pesantren La Tansa, Banten
Ponpres La Tansa implements modern Islamic education by combining Islamic studies with general school subjects. Currently, La Tansa is one of the favorite Ponpres in Banten Province. Apart from its reputed education system, this Ponpres is also renowned for its beautiful surroundings. The complete address of this Ponpres is Kampung Parakansantri, Banjar Irigasi, Kec. Lebakgedong, Kabupaten Lebak, Banten 42372. The detailed entrance fee for this Pesantren is Rp 500,000 for registration.
- Pondok Pesantren Daar El-Qolam, Tangerang
Ponpres Daar El-Qolam integrates the pesantren and school curriculum over 6 years, equivalent to Madrasah Tsanawiyah and Madrasah Aliyah. This Ponpres has comprehensive facilities, including music studios, dormitories, language labs, and sports fields. With these facilities, the entrance fee for this Pesantren is between Rp 24 million - Rp 32 million with a monthly fee of Rp 1,200,000 - Rp 2,500,000. The complete address of this Ponpres is Jl. Raya Serang, Pasir Gintung, Kec. Jayanti, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15610.
- Pondok Pesantren Al-Ihya 'Ulumaddin, Cilacap
Ponpres Al-Ihya ‘Ulumaddin was established in 1952 by KH. Badaei Hanafi. Currently, this Ponpres is entrusted to his son. In this Ponpres, there is an initial horticulture program, including the cultivation of main vegetables needed by the pesantren such as water spinach, long beans, chili, and others. Additionally, there is a program called KSTM Berkah Mandiri which focuses on organic fertilizer production, rice cultivation, chicken farming, and fisheries. The detailed entrance fee for this pesantren is Rp 1,550,000.
- Pondok Pesantren Darunnajah, Jakarta
If you reside in the DKI Jakarta area and its surroundings but prefer not to be too far from your loved ones, it's worth considering Pondok Pesantren Darunnajah. Established in 1974 by KH. Abdul Manaf Mukhayyar and two colleagues, this Ponpres offers comprehensive facilities, including fully air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, sports facilities, and a swimming pool. The detailed entrance fee for this pesantren is Rp 21 million for MTS level and Rp 22 million for Aliyah level, with a monthly fee of approximately Rp 1.3 million. This Ponpres already has 20 branches and 66 educational units. Nonetheless, the complete address for this Ponpres in Jakarta is Jl. Ulujami Raya No.86, RT.1/RW.7, Ulujami, Kec. Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta 12250.
4. General Requirements for Admission to Pesantren
After understanding the Pesantren entry cost details, it's crucial to prepare and fulfill the requirements for admission to boarding schools. The admission process for santri generally involves several stages:
4.1 Completing Administrative Documents
Prospective santri are required to complete various administrative documents, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Family card (KK)
- Last educational certificate (if available)
- Latest report card (if available)
- Recent passport-sized photographh
- Health certificate from a doctor
- Permission letter from parents/guardians
4.2 Entrance Examination
Some Pesantren conduct entrance exams to assess the academic abilities and potential of prospective santri. These exams typically include written and oral tests in various subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Indonesian, Arabic, and Quran.
4.3 Interview
Prospective santri and parents/guardians are usually interviewed by Pesantren officials to understand the motivation, goals, and readiness of prospective santri to pursue education at Pesantren. This interview also serves as an opportunity for prospective santri to gain deeper insight into the vision, mission, and programs offered by the Pesantren.
4.4 Paying Registration Fees
Prospective santri are required to pay the registration fees determined by the Pesantren. These fees are usually used to cover administrative costs and other necessities.
It's important to note that the requirements and admission process for santri at each Pesantren may vary. Prospective santri and parents/guardians should seek detailed information about the requirements and admission process at the desired Pesantren.
Sobat BFI, that concludes the understanding of Pesantren and the details of Pesantren entry costs you need to know. If you are interested in enrolling your child in Pesantren but lack sufficient funds, BFI Finance is ready to assist you. With the My Hajat program, you can leverage your vehicle's vehicle registration certificate (BPKB) for your child's Pesantren entry costs!
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