RESPONSES OF PESANTRENS IN MADURA TOWARDS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study focuses on evaluating the socioreligious response of pesantren in Madura towards Covid-19 pandemic. Using qualitative research and analysis based on sociology of religion theory, this study found that pesantren in Madura present anticipatory response to curb the spread of Covid-19 by prioritizing aspects of personal safety and risk-avoiding, be it material or non-material. This responsive move is carried out by pesantren through a series of actions oriented towards protection and preservation principles. At the practical level, these principles are implemented in two approaches at once, structural and cultural. The structural approach refers to pesantren policies implementing health protocols in its vicinity, such as social and physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, temporarily stopping congregational worship activities, and postponing ceremonial religious activities that attract crowds. On the other hand, cultural approach refers to the involvement of pesantren in sounding religious calls to the general public to always abide by the health protocols and procedures for carrying out activities of worship amidst the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.