The new identity of Indonesian Islamic boarding schools in the “new normal”: the education leadership response to COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to investigate the leadership practices of Indonesian Islamic boarding school (<i>pesantren</i>) leaders, school principals, and teachers in responding to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the continuation of boarding school education in the "new normal" period. Generated using a moderated focus group discussion with principals and teachers, the findings suggest that principals' and teachers' leadership practices are acceptable in the policy, social support, and financial dimensions but still lack structural and teaching aspects about conducting blended learning. Based on this study's findings, <i>pesantren</i> leaders (<i>kyai</i>) and school principals should pay attention to training programs for implementing blended learning for teachers. The government is encouraged to assist in providing technical facilities <i>pesantren</i> can implement blended learning more effectively.