Pesantren in Songkhla Province: Challenges in a Multicultural Society and the Era of Globalization

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by traditional Islamic boarding schools (pondok) in the context of globalization and multiculturalism in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand. Employing a qualitative approach based on document analysis, the study draws on academic publications, policy documents, and historical records related to Islamic education and social change in the region. The findings indicate that pondok institutions continue to play a significant role in preserving Islamic religious values and Malay-Muslim cultural identity while adapting to contemporary societal changes. Such adaptations are evident in curriculum adjustments, institutional management, and engagement with broader community expectations. The multicultural social environment of Songkhla, characterized by religious and ethnic diversity, further positions pondok as mediating institutions that contribute to social cohesion and intergroup understanding. However, the study also identifies several key challenges confronting pondok, including rapid technological development, shifting social values, and declining public preference for traditional religious education compared to formal and modern schooling systems. The study concludes that pondok in Songkhla function not only as centers of Islamic education but also as strategic socio-cultural spaces that sustain religious traditions while negotiating contemporary demands. Their ability to balance continuity and adaptation constitutes a critical foundation for institutional sustainability amid the pressures and opportunities of globalization. These findings contribute to broader discussions on the resilience of traditional religious education within multicultural and globalized societies.