Purpose This study aims to discuss the model of community-based cooperation between pesantren businesses, using case study approach toward an Indonesian pesantren community. Design/methodology/approach The data in this research are gathered through through in-depth interviews with Hebitren managements and forum group discussion with the stakeholders of the Hebitren, which includes Hebitren managements themselves, Bank Indonesia and several related ministries. Findings The results show that pesantren business cooperations in Indonesia is related in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This cooperation model is expected to be able to contribute in the effort to accomplish SDGs, which include: no poverty (SDGs 1), quality education (SDGs 4) and partnership for the goals (SDGs 17). Research limitations/implications The models of pesantren business cooperation are not comprehensive because of the various characteristics of pesantren and its model business. Moreover, Hebitren is one of national forum for business pesantren. So, that the results are possibly applicable. Practical implications This research highlights the importance of pesantren’s business unit cooperation management by improving the quality of human resources and business’s infrastructures. This study is a new research model that comprehensively discusses the pesantren community as a form of economic and business development. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first model of inter-pesantren business unit network in a pesantren business community comprehensively.

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