The meaning of financial accountability in Islamic boarding schools: The case of Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to understand the concept of financial accountability in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). The research is conducted at a pesantren in South Sumatra, which functions as a centre for Islamic education, social and business activities. Research Design & Methods: The research data were obtained through in-depth interviews with pesantren administrators. This study uses transcendental phenomenology to analyze qualitative data. Findings: This study found three themes that were sourced from the noematic experiences of research informants, namely amanah, trust, and transparency. This study reveals three essential things: first, accountability in the perspective of the pesantren’s manager consists of accountability to God, the owner of the pesantren, students, and donors. Second, the manifestation of the implementation of financial accountability is financial recording and reporting. Third, transparency in understanding pesantren’s manager is an openness among pesantren’s administrators. Implications & Recommendations: When accountability based on their experience is understood as accountability to the pesantren owner, the preparation of financial reports is also understood to be only important for the pesantren owner. Therefore, financial reports as a form of accountability to parties outside the pesantren are considered not so important, including donors. Contribution & Value Added: This study reveals the meaning of accountability in the pesantren perspective and provides empirical evidence on sharia enterprise theory.