Optimizing Student Guidance and Counseling as a Solution for Strengthening Character at Nurul Jadid Islamic Boarding School

Abstract

The increasing complexity of character-related problems among santri in pesantren environments, manifested in issues of discipline, responsibility, and moral consistency, requires a systematic and sustainable strengthening strategy. In the context of rapid social transformation, pesantren are challenged not only to preserve Islamic traditions but also to institutionalize mechanisms for structured character development. Drawing upon Lickona’s character education theory, which emphasizes moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action, and Islamic counseling theory grounded in tarbiyah, tazkiyah, and humanistic–dialogical guidance, this study analyzes the optimization of santri guidance and counseling as a strategic solution for character strengthening at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid. This research employs a qualitative case study design conducted in the Abu Hasan Asy-Syadzili and Az-Zainiyah Areas. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with pesantren administrators and counseling coordinators, participatory observation of mentoring practices, and analysis of counseling program documentation. Data were analyzed using an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings demonstrate that optimizing guidance and counseling through systematic planning, structured mentoring programs, humanistic-dialogical approaches, and cross-dormitory collaboration effectively fosters the internalization of character values, reflected in improved discipline, accountability, emotional maturity, and moral awareness among santri. These findings highlight the urgency of integrating guidance and counseling into pesantren managerial policy to ensure sustainable and institutionalized character formation rather than incidental moral supervision.