Islamic Educational Epistemology of Kiai Bandi and Ulama Cadres Formation in Java and Sumatra
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20261080Keywords:
Kiai Bandi, Islamic education, ulama formation, pesantren, Java and SumatraAbstract
Background: Kiai Bandi Bin Kiai Sa’id Lakbok (1901–1951) was a prominent Islamic scholar in Ciamis, West Java, whose educational approach combined traditional pesantren pedagogy with the cultivation of moral character and leadership. His teaching contributed to the formation of ulama cadres across Java and Sumatra, yet systematic studies on his epistemological approach remain limited.
Method: This study employed a qualitative historical-descriptive method, utilizing interviews with family members and disciples, historical literature, and field documentation to trace Kiai Bandi’s educational practices and the spread of his students.
Results: Kiai Bandi initially taught a small group of disciples in Desa Tambakreja, Ciamis, including Kiai Sukemi, Kiai Bashoir, Kiai Majalikin, Kiai Delan, and Kiai Shobrowi, later mentoring others such as Simbah KH. Makmur, Kiai Sanusi, Kiai Adurrohim, and ulama in Ciklapa, Sidareja, Banjarnegara, Lampung, and beyond. His students established educational networks that disseminated his epistemology widely, integrating religious knowledge, ethics, and spirituality.
Discussion: The study highlights how Kiai Bandi’s approach strengthened Islamic education through personalized mentorship, pesantren-based pedagogy, and community engagement via pilgrimage and annual commemoration (haul) events, which also supported local socio-economic development.
Conclusion: Kiai Bandi’s educational epistemology effectively cultivated moral, spiritual, and leadership qualities among ulama, providing a resilient model of traditional Islamic education still relevant in contemporary Muslim communities in Java and Sumatra.
Novelty: This study is the first to systematically document Kiai Bandi’s educational epistemology and its impact on ulama networks across both Java and Sumatra, linking traditional pesantren learning with broader socio-cultural influence.
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References
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