Evolution and orientation of Islamic Education in Indonesia and Malaysia

Islamic education in Indonesia and Malaysia stemmed from the very same origin, pondok pesantren. However, they went different ways due to several drives. As madrasah transformed some forms of pondok pesantren, colonial and political context has shaped Islamic education in Indonesia and Malaysia. In Indonesia, education is administered in a separate ministry and finally formed a curriculum that enable graduates to endeavor not only in religious fields but also in all walks of life. Whereas Ministry of Malaysian Education regulate both national education and religious education all students in Indonesia and Malaysia, though, regardless of their schools, must study religion with different gradation. While Islamic instruction in Indonesian schools is supplied only to shape religious character, Malaysian schools strive to create an integration between Islamic and non-Islamic sciences. Pondok pesantrens too, have developed to a degree that differing features do occur, although they share several resemblances. Their private natures enable pondok pesantrens to improvise their education with different outcome and shape, but remain a deeply rooted in Islamic education in both countries.