ABSTRACT
From the main case study of Pesantren Seblak, I have chosen three nyais from three different generations; starting with Nyai Khoiriyah (the first generation), Nyai Abidah (the second generation) and Nyai Mahshunah (the third generation). Nyai Khoiriyah and her husband founded the pesantren. Nyai Abidah is Nyai Khoiriyah’s daughter, while Nyai Mahshunah came from Pesantren Darul Ulum and married the grandson of Nyai Khoiriyah and moved to Pesantren Seblak. These facts suggest that nyais, either in their pesantren of origin or their ‘adopted pesantren’, have similar opportunities to be as influential as their male counterparts, particularly if they have leadership skills, management abilities and relevant religious knowledge.
