Responsibilities of ‘Santri’ and ‘Pesantren’

TANGKAPAN LAYAR AKUN RESMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN DI KANAL YOUTUBE

Cholil Qoumas, Religious Affairs Minister

This year’s Santri Day on 22 Oct. is to be commemorated with the theme "Santri Siaga Jiwa Raga" (Islamic boarding school students, vigilance in body and soul).Spiritual vigilance means that santri (Islamic boarding school students) must never let their guard down in maintaining spiritual conscientiousness and moral behavior by steadfastly adhering to Islamic creeds, values and teachings, bearing in mind that Islam offers universal mercy (rahmatan lil 'alamin) as well respects the prevailing traditions of the Indonesian nation.

Physical vigilance means that students must wholeheartedly submit their body, energy, mind and efforts to the nation. Therefore, students should never tire of striving and working for the sake of Indonesia.

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The theme for 2021 Santri Day reemphasizes the commitment of the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) community to dedicate their body and soul to defending the homeland, preserving the unity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and helping to create world peace in accordance with the Islam teachings they have learned at pesantren.

The commemorative theme vividly evokes the spirit of the past struggles of the pesantren community. A struggle always involves a stage of tirakat (spiritual and physical self-restraint from worldly life).

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During the colonial era, the pesantren community joined the struggle to claim sovereignty. Come post-independence, santri continued to strive to defend independence and serve the nation’s development.

Today’s struggles are by no means lighter than previous eras. The nation’s challenges, which are essentially challenges for santri, are increasingly complex. In facing these challenges, students should aim not only to survive, but to conquer and, if possible, to excel.

In the case of a victory, students must view it not only as a blessing, but also as a test of trust that must be accepted with gratitude and without excessive euphoria.

In a struggle, there is always the possibility of defeat. However, the loss must be used as a whip to reorganize so they are better able to bounce back and gain the victory they deserve. In the case of a victory, students must view it not only as a blessing, but also as a test of trust that must be accepted with gratitude and without excessive euphoria.

Recognition of deeds

The government's recognition of the pesantren community’s role in the national struggle may have come late. However, they view this as insignificant, considering that vested interests are not characteristic of the motivation behind their deeds.

BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN

President Joko Widodo greets students at the Islamic boarding school/Dayah Istiqamatuddin Darul Mu'Arrif, Aceh Besar District, Thursday (16/9/2021).

The deeds they demonstrated during the struggle to achieve Indonesian independence, as well as in its defense and preservation, have been recorded by the Creator, even if the whole world was not aware of or deliberately overlooked them.

Regardless of whether they were acknowledged or not, either by being recorded in the history books or manifested in legal provisions, the pesantren community has continued to nurture their love for Indonesia. It has been at the forefront of protecting and preserving the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia against various threats.

The government recently declared that Santri Day be observed every 22 Oct. The public may readily point to that date on their calendar as a day to be commemorated by those close and loyal to their kiai (Muslim teachers).

Sarong and kitab kuning (the “Yellow Book” containing the traditional text of Islamic jurisprudence) are their trademarks. Tawadhu', or humility, is their driver in everyday life.

Tolerance is embraced as the lifestyle of pluralism. Humanism is the spirit of moral ethics in social and global interactions, with world peace as the noblest ideal.

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The next gesture of government recognition that deserves gratitude is the issuance of Law No. 18/2019 on Pesantren.

Islamic boarding schools existed long before Indonesia proclaimed independence. The pesantren community has dedicated itself to the nation through the field of education. Admittedly or not, the pesantren educational system is typical of and unique to Indonesia, growing and existing in the womb of the nation.

The schools carry the mission to not only intellectually empower, but also civilize, the nation. They not only teach the students, but also educate them on how to live their lives as individuals and as part of society.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

A student at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Islamic Boarding School in Palembang, being vaccinated by officers, Wednesday (22/09/2021).

Character building has long been the core of pesantren education, but imparted in a different term. Even if they must die, the santri are prepared for this because their lives are awash with spiritual faith and piety. "Live a nobly or die a martyr" is the longstanding motto of Muslim students.

Strengthened role

The issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 82/2021 on pesantren funding shows greater recognition of the schools’ role as one of the country’s nonsecular educational institutions that empower communities.

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Actually, pesantren have never lacked funds for their operation and establishment. Muslim society is their traditional trustees that enables them to continue their work in educating santri.

On the one hand, these regulations and their derivative provisions strengthen the schools’ role, while on the other, demand to some extent that the schools be responsible towards society.

Pesantren administrators must work harder to meet the expectations of the public. The schools must be ready to play their role in helping to accelerate the nation’s advancement in the field of education.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Students attending the commemoration of Santri Day at the Great Mosque of Central Java, Semarang City, Friday (10/22/2021).

The schools must also be ready to work professionally and transparently in managing the government fund. Do not let the schools become a place that cultivates dishonesty in the use of public funds.

It is time for pesantren and santri to stand on a par with secular schools. If possible, they must seek to leap higher to outperform other educational institutions.

They must be the driving force of an ideal, virtuous education that is able to meet the spiritual and intellectual needs of all stakeholders.

The pesantren educational system must integrate the theological and general sciences. Pesantren education must empower the people, both intellectually and morally.

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Religious Affairs Minister

(This article was translated by Musthofid)