KOMPETENSI BAHASA ARAB: TANTANGAN LULUSAN SARJANA PAI UNTUK DEKADE MENDATANG

Abstract

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence, the digitization of Islamic sources, and increasingly open access to Arabic-language literature have transformed the competency requirements for graduates of PAI program. Arabic language proficiency, which has traditionally focused on mastery of grammatical rules, is no longer sufficient to meet the professional needs of teachers, researchers, digital preachers, or developers of Islamic educational materials. This study aimed to analyze the challenges in Arabic language proficiency faced by PAI graduates and to propose a reorientation of its development through the concept of Arabic for Islamic Education Purposes (AIEP). The study employed a qualitative, literature-based approach by synthesizing research findings on the Arabic language competencies of graduates from PTKI, enriched with academic literature from Arab scholars on the digital transformation of education. The findings showed that the main challenges include a gap in the ability to read primary sources, low academic literacy in Arabic, reliance on translation tools and AI, heterogeneity in graduate competencies, and a mismatch between learning outcomes and the needs of the workforce. Furthermore, AI has the potential to create opportunities through adaptive learning, expanded access to literature, and improved academic efficiency—provided it is utilized critically and ethically. Therefore, the Arabic language curriculum in PAI program needs to be reoriented from a “General Arabic” approach toward “Arabic for Islamic Education Purposes” which emphasizes academic literacy, digital literacy in Arabic, academic communication, the use of primary sources, and the responsible use of technology to strengthen the competitiveness of PAI graduates in the coming decade.