Multicultural Leadership of Kiai for Managing Diversity in Indonesian Context: Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social Integration

Abstract

This study examines the multicultural leadership of Kiai for managing diversity in Islamic boarding schools (Pesantren). With the level of diversity of students and the social relations of Pesantren with diverse communities, it requires a leadership model that can accommodate diversity. This study uses a phenomenological qualitative approach. The researcher interviewed 29 informants: 16 at Pesantren Al-Qodir and 13 at Pesantren Aswaja Nusantara. One informant was interviewed as much as needed for information; there were one time and three times. Data analysis used a constant comparative analysis model. The research results at Two Pesantren show that two Kiai are multicultural leaders. The multicul-tural leader is formed from three patterns of integration in his leadership: spiritual, intellectual, and social. In the spiritual aspect, multicultural leadership integrates spiritual values and religious apprecia-tion of human reality. In the intellectual aspect, multicultural leadership is driven by Kiai’s knowledge, diverse knowledge perspectives, and openness to sources of knowledge from communities outside the Pesantren. On the social aspect, multicultural leadership builds relationships with diverse individuals and communities. Kiai’s multicultural leadership in managing diversity occurs in two areas: managing Pesantren’s internal diversity and external diversity of Pesantren.