Jakarta, NU Online

Indonesian Vice President KH Ma'ruf Amin (Kiai Ma'ruf) has urged pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) to adapt to global changes and technological innovations to improve their competitiveness.

 

"Technology innovation poses a new challenge for pesantren, as they should keep in pace with current changes and utilize the new knowledge for the best interest of the society," Kiai Ma'ruf said in his keynote speech at a webinar held to commemorate the 2021 National Santri Day here Wednesday.
 
 

The National Santri Day was established by the Presidential Decree No.22/2015 to commemorate the Jihad Resolution that Muslim clerics and students of Islamic boarding schools declared on October 22, 1945 to fight against colonizers.

 

Pesantren should be able to help santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) from Generation Z and Generation Alpha who have been exposed to digital media since an early age and ensure they remain relevant amidst future development, he added.

 

"If pesantren do not adapt and transform themselves in keeping with global and technological changes, their existence could be threatened, and their graduates would be strangers in the future," Kiai Ma'ruf was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

 

Santri should have a firm will to improve their personal quality and develop their boarding school so that it remains relevant and keeps pace with innovations and changes, he expounded.

 

"This condition demands current santris enhance their personal quality, including in academic and non-academic achievements, creative and competitive skills, as well as maintain their good morals," the Vice President added.

 

He then expressed the hope that Indonesia's pesantrens would assist each other by sharing new ideas and information.

 

Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas urged pesantren and their santri to brace themselves to face challenges and opportunities in the future.

 

"I believe the santri will have a bright future as long as they prepare themselves and collaborate with each other for the common goal," Qoumas remarked.

 

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq