NU: Pesantren could be education center for people around the world

Malang, NU Online
Member of the Advisory Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH. M. Tholhah Hasan said that on account of its largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia could become a major center of religious education for all people all over the world.

"Not only could Indonesia be center for religious education in the country, it could also be a educational destination for all people around the world regardless of their systems of belief," he said.

According to Kiai Tholhah, it is no surprise if there have been many students, especially in Southeast Asia studying in pesantren (Islamic baording schools) in Indonesia.

"There have been many coming from nearby countries stay in pesantren in the country, especially in Java," he said, adding that pesantren scattered across this sprawling archipelago had become center for education for thousands of nearby countries.

He addmitted that pesantren had commonly provided religious knowledge and wisdom that could be the main instrument for their life.

"In pesantren, santri either men and women from all backgrounds have learned how to live a life in accordance with the basic tenets of Islam," he said.

He also said that although in the last few years, pesantren had been been forced to deal with allegations that they are breeding grounds for radical and extreme groups unleashing violence in the name of religion, pesantren could show their smiling face of Islam as the character of the Indonesian Islam. (Masdar)