Social Capital in the Synergy of Madrasah and Community: A Phenomenological Study of the 'Ahad Pon' Tradition at MI Ma'arif NU 1 Cilongok.

Abstract

The distant communication between the madrasah and parents often hinders the alignment of basic education programs, thus a social platform is needed to strengthen their relationship. This research aims to phenomenologically understand how the 'Ahad Pon' tradition at MI Ma'arif NU 1 Cilongok is experienced and interpreted by its participants as an arena for the formation of social capital that synergizes the madrasah, family, and community. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach was used with 13 informants (1 head of the madrasah, 6 teachers, and 6 parents) who were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, and tested with source and technique triangulation. The findings show that the informants interpret Ahad Pon as an equal and flexible dialog space. Trust is understood through openness of information and a sense of security in expressing opinions, shared norms through parenting agreements such as the practice of congregational prayers, discipline in studying at home, and networks of cooperation through class associations and voluntary mutual aid. These findings are the subjective experiences of informants at a single madrasah, not the result of an effectiveness measurement, and are not intended to compare Ahad Pon with the school committee. The madrasah can consider local cultural traditions as a means to strengthen synergy with parents.