The Pesantren Kitchen as a Site of Character Formation: Collective Work, Simplicity, Responsibility, and Sharing in Islamic Boarding School Life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53639/ijsse.v4i2.135Keywords:
Pesantren Kitchen, Character Formation, Collective Work, Simplicity, ResponsibilityAbstract
This study examines the sociological role of the pesantren kitchen as a central space for santri character formation. Rather than functioning merely as a place for preparing food, the kitchen is understood as a social arena where values such as cooperation, simplicity, responsibility, discipline, and sharing are practiced in everyday life. Using a qualitative approach, the research was conducted at Pondok Pesantren Fathul Muin in Purwokerto, Central Java. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with santri and pesantren caregivers, and analysis of relevant institutional documents. The findings show that daily kitchen routines, including cooking schedules, food distribution, communal eating, and hygiene maintenance, play an important role in shaping santri behavior. Task rotation fosters discipline and accountability, communal meals strengthen solidarity and equality, and anti-food waste practices cultivate simplicity and moral awareness. The study concludes that the pesantren kitchen contributes significantly to character education by transforming ordinary domestic routines into meaningful social learning, producing santri who are collaborative, humble, responsible, and socially conscious.
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