From Santri for Indonesia

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Hundreds of santri took part in the National Santri Day parade in Diwek District, Jombang Regency, East Java, Saturday (22/10/2022). The activity was attended by all Islamic elementary schools in Diwek sub-district.

National Santri Day was held on Saturday, 22 October 2022. We are reminded of the commitment of ulema and santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) in fighting to maintain the integrity of the Indonesian nation.

The National Santri Day celebration took place in various forms in Jakarta and a number of regions. One of them was a national ceremony held by the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) at the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School (pesantren), Jombang, East Java, on Saturday (22/10/2022). All of these events invite us to look at the history behind the determination of this national day and at the same time hope that the santri will continue to play a role in advancing the nation.

Also read:

> NU, Santri and People-Oriented Economy

> Inviting Sntri to do Business

The history is related to the Dutch aggression to regain control of Indonesia after Japan lost. In fact, this country had just proclaimed independence on 17 August 1945. Responding to a critical situation, on 22 October 1945, the ulema initiated by KH Hasyim Asy'ari (one of the founders of NU) agreed to issue a Jihad Resolution. It contained a call that Muslims were obliged to defend the homeland and fight the efforts by foreign countries to colonize it again.

Based on the resolution, the santri intervened with all elements of the nation to guard the independence of the country. After employing various means, both diplomacy and taking up arms, Indonesia's independence could be maintained. It is this awareness and national spirit that has been commemorated as National Santri Day since 2015.

BPMI SEKRETARIAT WAPRES

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Moh Mahfud MD, Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Chairman of PBNU Yahya Cholil Staquf, as well as the Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa chanted the prayers of the Prophet Muhammad SAW on stage during the commemoration of National Santri Day 2022 at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Jakarta, Friday (21/10/2022).

In the current situation, this moment can be interpreted as a commitment for ulema and santri to protect Indonesia. Colonialism by foreign countries no longer shackles this country. However, there are many new challenges that are vulnerable to damaging the national building, for example the threat of radicalism and terrorism.

There are still groups that are trying to displace the pillars of the nation, namely Pancasila as the basis of the state, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and the ideals of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Democracy is under attack. As a substitute, they are active in enforcing a one-religion-based leadership system that is transnational in nature. To achieve that goal, they justify all means, including violence.

Together with other elements in the nation, the santri became part of the independence process and are now active with creative works to advance Indonesia.

Ulema and santri are expected to anticipate extreme ideology by developing a moderate religious understanding and continuing to build awareness of the importance of maintaining the pillars of the nation as a collective agreement. Indonesia is a democratic country that respects the beliefs of many religions. All community groups of different ethnicities, races and groups have the same place and respect.

The theme of the National Santri Day, "Empowering to Maintain Human Dignity", can be understood as an invitation for the santri to continue to commit to dedicating their lives to the nation and state. Together with other elements in the nation, the santri became part of the independence process and are now active with creative works to advance Indonesia.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.