Local Wisdom and Open Governance

Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) hold a strategic position within the socio-political landscape of Ponorogo Regency, serving as vital pillars of local wisdom. Their potential contribution to public policymaking, particularly in the formulation of regional regulations concerning religious education, remains significant yet underutilized. This study investigates the extent and quality of pesantren participation in local legislative processes, with a focus on the principles of meaningful participation and the integration of Islamic values in policymaking. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with religious leaders, pesantren administrators, and members of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Ponorogo. The findings indicate that pesantren involvement is largely symbolic, hindered by limited access to policy information and the absence of institutionalized participatory mechanisms. These constraints reduce the ability of pesantren to effectively influence regulatory outcomes. The study highlights the need for participatory reforms to enhance inclusive and value-based governance at the local level