Pesantren as the New Education Trend

Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.
Rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta

Since Indonesia’s independence on August 17, 1945, the contributions of kiai (Islamic scholars) and pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) have often remained on the periphery of mainstream historical narratives. Yet their devotion through thought, labor, and spirit has profoundly shaped both the nation’s struggle for independence and its moral foundation. In truth, it is impossible to imagine the strength of this Republic without acknowledging the decisive role of pesantren.

The designation of October 22 as National Santri Day is not a mere symbolic gesture. It represents substantive recognition of the pesantren ecosystem, which has long stood as the bastion of Islam Nusantara as a tolerant, inclusive, and balanced Islam that unites Indonesia’s diverse society. More importantly, pesantren are an authentic product of Indonesian civilization.

As noted by Florian Pohl (2006), pesantren exist to serve the community, created by and for its members. Founded by kiai and local leaders, they have become essential pillars of civil society, reinforcing social, moral, and spiritual life. Historian Azyumardi Azra (2015) also observed that since the 16th century, pesantren, surau, and dayah have taken deep root in the Indonesian archipelago, contributing profoundly to the development of Islam in the region.

From the pesantren tradition emerged numerous national figures. H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto, mentor to Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, was one of its most prominent products. In these schools, education extended beyond religious study to include social and political consciousness, nurturing many of the nation’s freedom fighters.

The pivotal moment came with the Jihad Resolution proclaimed by K.H. Hasyim Asy’ari on October 22, 1945, which mobilized santri to defend Indonesia’s independence. The Hizbullah and Sabilillah brigades took up arms, affirming that Indonesia’s freedom stands firmly on the shoulders of pesantren. In the post-independence era, influential figures such as diplomat Mohammad Roem and the fourth president, Abdurrahman Wahid (both are pesantren alumni), continued this legacy.

Today, with over 42,000 active pesantrens and around 4.6 million santris (potentially up to 18 million), their potential is remarkable. Yet, many pesantren still operate independently with limited state support.

The enactment of Law No. 18 of 2019 on Pesantren should have marked a historic milestone. It formally acknowledges pesantren’s role in education, religious propagation (dakwah), and community empowerment, while guaranteeing state support and facilities. However, a 2025 evaluation by UIN Jakarta revealed a sobering reality: of the national education budget of IDR 660 trillion, pesantren receive only about IDR 1 trillion. Moreover, Government Regulation No. 18 of 2022 restricts local government assistance until minimum service standards for general education are met, forcing pesantren to rely on irregular and limited grants.

Equally troubling is the misinterpretation of the formal–nonformal dichotomy in education. The “nonformal” label has often been used to justify the state’s limited responsibility, even though nonformal institutions are uniquely flexible and inclusive where they reach communities untouched by formal education. Precisely because of this, pesantren require state assistance to ensure curriculum quality, teacher training, infrastructure, and official recognition for graduates.

Reaffirming the State’s Commitment to Pesantren

It is time for the state to adopt a more serious and systematic approach toward pesantren. Not through symbolic gestures, but by building a national ecosystem that harmonizes religious values with modern knowledge and technology.

Pesantren should no longer be viewed as traditional institutions of the past but as centers of Islamic civilization in the archipelago, integral to shaping Indonesia’s moral and intellectual character. This requires strategic initiatives that bridge the wisdom of pesantren with the realities of a globalized, digital era.

Strong collaboration between the government, academia, civil society, and pesantren is essential. Public policy must support institutional strengthening to improve curriculum quality, foster research and innovation rooted in pesantren traditions, and expand digital infrastructure for Islamic education and outreach. The public, too, must recognize pesantren not merely as centers for religious learning but as spaces for cultivating ethical and knowledgeable people.

In this context, modern pesantren do not abandon tradition; they reinforce it through science and innovation. New methods, such as digital literacy, social entrepreneurship, and educational reform, express the foundational values of sincerity, independence, and social compassion. Thus, pesantren can remain vibrant moral centers amid rapid modernization, rather than victims of it.

The goal is clear: to ensure pesantren remain relevant while preserving their authentic identity as a legacy of Indonesia’s spiritual and cultural continuity. In an increasingly secular and materialistic world, pesantren stand as moral fortresses, upholding the principles of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (universal blessing) and nurturing generations ahead.

Pesantren is a strategic national asset.

Pesantren are among Indonesia’s most strategic national assets. It is not only for their number and reach but also for their enduring contribution to tolerance, moderation, and unity. The nation has woven pesantren into its very heartbeat from the struggle for independence to the present day. They have created scholars, thinkers, teachers, and leaders who represent Indonesia's pluralistic spirit.

The future of a tolerant, ethical, and sovereign Indonesia depends on how well we sustain and empower these institutions. When pesantren are given space to grow, equipped to adapt to change, and anchored in their spiritual traditions, Indonesia gains a resilient moral compass amid the turbulence of globalization.

Conversely, disregarding pesantren or reducing them to mere cultural symbols would result in the loss of one of the fundamental pillars of Indonesia's national identity.

To build the future of pesantren, therefore, is to build the future of Indonesia. Only a nation advanced in knowledge, rooted in faith, and guided by moderation and civility can become a truly developed country. Pesantren must continue to thrive as centers of spiritual and social transformation, nurturing future leaders who can navigate the digital era without losing their cultural and moral grounding.

It is time for the nation to invest seriously in pesantren by developing a holistic ecosystem that unites religion and science. The objective is obvious: to keep pesantren relevant to the challenges of our time, while remaining steadfast as the living legacy of the kiai who built this nation’s soul.

This article was originally published in Republika on Wednesday (22/10/2025)