The Role of Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil (BMT) in Realizing Economic Independence for Islamic Boarding Schools through Empowering Students at Al Bahjah Islamic Boarding School in Cirebon

Abstract

This study is motivated by the urgency of strengthening pesantren’s economic independence as an effort to reduce dependence on external funding sources and to improve the welfare of santri. Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) Al Bahjah was chosen as the focus of this research due to its strategic role in empowering santri and supporting pesantren’s economic development. The objectives of this study are to analyze the role of BMT in empowering santri, its contribution to pesantren’s economic independence, as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. The study adopts the empowerment theory (Mardikanto), which emphasizes awareness, capacity building, and access provision, along with the concept of pesantren economic independence that highlights self-managed resources. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. The informants consisted of BMT managers, pesantren administrators, santri, and alumni. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman interactive model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through triangulation of sources, techniques, and time. The findings reveal that BMT Al Bahjah actively empowers santri through financing programs, training, and business mentoring. BMT also significantly contributes to pesantren’s economic independence by strengthening productive business units and reducing reliance on external funding sources. Supporting factors include the role of kiai, alumni networks, and available capital, while inhibiting factors include limited human resources and business risks. The study concludes that BMT Al Bahjah functions as a key driver of pesantren’s economic independence through sustainable santri empowerment.